The European Commission and Europa Nostra on May 30 announced the 2024 winners of the European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards, co-funded by the Creative Europe program of the European Union. This year, Europe’s most prestigious awards for heritage go to 26 outstanding winners from 18 countries across the continent (see the full list below).
The 2024 Awards count an impressive range of winners across its five categories. From a unique renovation project led by former miners in Poland; to an innovative AI research project for improving access to Europe’s newspaper heritage; from a successful training program revitalizing traditional craftsmanship for contemporary construction needs in Greece; to a visionary community-driven effort reclaiming urban heritage in Ghent, Belgium; and a civil society association that has raised awareness of the importance of the cultural heritage of the World Heritage City of Dubrovnik, Croatia, for more than 70 years. This year’s winners exemplify the dynamism, diversity and innovation demonstrated across Europe in efforts to safeguard and promote our rich heritage.
The winners were selected by the Awards’ Jury, composed of 12 heritage experts from across Europe, upon evaluation of the applications by the Selection Committees. A total of 206 eligible applications to this year’s Awards were submitted by organizations and individuals from 38 European countries.
“Our cultural heritage is our collective treasure, a bridge connecting our past, present and future,” says Iliana Ivanova, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth. “It holds a special place in our hearts and daily lives, fostering a sense of belonging and identity. The European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards highlight the crucial role of exemplary projects and individuals dedicated to preserving and promoting our rich heritage. I warmly congratulate this year’s winners on their outstanding achievements.”
“My heartfelt congratulations to this year’s winners of the European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards on their well-deserved recognition,” states Cecilia Bartoli, the world-renowned mezzo-soprano and President of Europa Nostra. “By honoring these fantastic creative projects, we also demonstrate our great commitment to protecting our shared cultural heritage, which is vital for building a more united, sustainable and beautiful Europe. May their inspiring examples be followed by many citizens – heritage professionals, volunteers and lovers – public organizations and private companies across our continent and beyond.”
Georgia won a 2024 nomination in the Citizens’ Engagement & Awareness-Raising category: Citizens’ Rehabilitation of the Tsiskarauli Tower, Akhieli. Over three years, 46 Georgian and international citizens worked alongside technical experts and traditional craftspeople to restore the Tsiskarauli Tower. The project brought much-needed attention to the remote community of Khevsureti, and raised awareness of the value of Georgian heritage within Europe’s heritage.
The International National Trusts Organization (INTO) was the lead partner, working in close collaboration with the National Trust of Georgia and REMPART (France). The project was supported by a grant from ALIPH – the International alliance for the protection of heritage in conflict areas.
The mediaeval watchtower in the Caucasus Mountains witnessed wars, occupations and migrations over the centuries, and was severely damaged in 2001 by a Russian missile during the Second Chechen war. 46 Georgian and international citizens worked alongside technical experts and traditional craftspeople to restore the tower, which is now a model for the rehabilitation of Georgian defensive architecture.
As well as learning new skills in stonemasonry and path building, participants experienced one another’s intangible heritage, thus showing the peacebuilding capacity of collective restoration. The work has also raised the profile of volunteering in Georgia and provided sought-after opportunities for young people to engage with their heritage, building local pride and identity.
Alongside the tower’s stabilization, a large focus of this project was knowledge sharing and capacity building within the National Trust of Georgia. Over two secondments in France and the UK, the staff of the National Trust of Georgia learnt from English and French models of volunteerism, and about the stewardship of remote heritage sites.
The project faced many challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and a major landslide. Against all odds, the Tsiskarauli Tower carries a new, positive layer of history, marked by international collaboration.
The site now welcomes tourists who seek to understand this region’s multilayered history via a new walking route. They can read about the tower’s history on interpretative panels, see the remains of the Russian missile, learn of its restoration, and explore the surrounding villages.
The Awards’ Jury commented: “The Citizens’ Rehabilitation of the Tsiskarauli Tower embodies excellence in heritage conservation through a holistic approach, integrating the restoration of built heritage, community engagement, international collaboration, and capacity-building, following the severe damage to the monument caused by a Russian missile fired during the Second Chechen war. Engaging in a broader network and consortium, the project provided a platform for the exchange of knowledge and culture.”
“The use of traditional materials and techniques has enhanced the authenticity of the work, while community engagement, involving locals, international volunteers, and the diaspora has created a sense of stewardship. The project has served as a catalyst for international cultural relations, peace, and trust building, demonstrating the power of heritage-led collaboration in overcoming conflict and rehabilitating local communities”, the Jury concluded.
Two decades of showcasing heritage-related excellence in Europe
The European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards were launched by the European Commission in 2002 and have been run by Europa Nostra ever since. For 22 years, the Awards have been a key tool to recognize and promote the multiple values of heritage for Europe’s society, economy and environment.
The Awards have highlighted and disseminated heritage excellence and best practices in Europe, encouraged the cross-border exchange of knowledge and connected heritage stakeholders in wider networks. The Awards have brought major benefits to the winners, such as greater (inter)national exposure, additional funding and increased visitor numbers. In addition, the Awards have championed a greater care for our shared heritage among Europe’s citizens. For additional facts and figures about the Awards, please visit the Awards website.
The Awards Ceremony
The winners will be celebrated at the European Heritage Awards Ceremony 2024 on 7 October at the Romanian Athenaeum, the most prestigious concert hall in Bucharest, Romania, which recently received a European Heritage Label in recognition of its European significance. This high-profile event will be co-hosted by the European Commissioner Iliana Ivanova and Europa Nostra’s Executive President Hermann Parzinger. During the ceremony, the Grand Prix laureates and the Public Choice Award winner, chosen from among this year’s winners of the European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards and entitled to receive €10,000 each, will be announced.
The ceremony will be a highlight of the European Cultural Heritage Summit 2024 which will take place on 6-8 October in Bucharest. The Summit, co-funded by the European Union, is organized by Europa Nostra in close cooperation with heritage organizations and partners, both public and private, in Romania.
Heritage supporters and enthusiasts are encouraged to discover the winners and vote online to decide who will win the Public Choice Award 2024, entitled to receive a monetary award of €10,000. You can cast your vote until 22 September.
