The 2024 European Heritage Award winners have been announced over a weekend summit organised by Europa Nostra. Judith Videcoq, Head of Unit for Creative Europe, has praised this year's selections for their awareness raising and innovation concerning environmental challenges.
By Demi SpriggsThe 2024 European Heritage Summit, organised by Europa Nostra, has announced the winners of this year's European Heritage Awards. Starting on Sunday in the heart of Bucharest running between October 6-8, the event opened with "Excellence Day," where the 26 winners presented their projects and shared valuable insights.
Every year the Heritage Awards takes place, bringing together top heritage professionals and enthusiasts from across Europe to 'celebrate and promote the highest standards in heritage interventions, research, and education, training and awareness-raising.' This year's selection has been praised for working within the context of ongoing environmental issues. Judith Videcoq, Head of Unit for Creative Europe, noted the critical role that these award-winning projects play in the green transition. “Your examples of excellence play an important role in raising awareness and finding innovative ways to tackle environmental challenges. They reflect the strong economic impact of heritage, fostering tourism and creating jobs, while also enhancing social inclusion, opening spaces for intercultural dialogue, and engaging local communities,” she said.
On October 7, the summit culminated in the highly anticipated Awards Ceremony at the Romanian Athenaeum, which was recently honoured with a European Heritage Label. Selected by an expert jury from the 26 winners are five laureates of the Grand Prix, and the winner of the Public Choice Award - an award made open to the public. The winners are announced during the Award Ceremony, and each receives a fund of €10,000.
The five laureates of the 2024 Grand Prix are:
Saxon Church in Alma Vii, ROMANIA (winner of Public Choice award)
Grand Prix Winner in Conservation & Adaptive Reuse
This project focused on the restoration of the Saxon Church in Alma Vii, a symbol of centuries-old history and craftsmanship in Transylvania. The restoration preserved the church’s architectural and historical essence while empowering the local community and promoting sustainable tourism. This impressive initiative raised the largest number of votes, cast via an online poll with the participation of some 10,000 citizens from all over Europe.
Grand Prix Winner in Citizens’ Engagement & Awareness-raising
This remarkable project brought together 46 Georgian and international citizens, alongside technical experts and traditional craftspeople, to restore the historic Tsiskarauli Tower over three years.
Traditional Farm Buildings Scheme, IRELAND
Grand Prix Winner in Education, Training & Skills
This national initiative aims to help farmers recognize the cultural significance of traditional farm buildings. Participants are trained in essential skills to restore and repurpose these structures for practical use. Since its launch in 2008, more than 1,000 buildings have been successfully repaired.
Society of Friends of Dubrovnik Antiquities, CROATIA
Grand Prix Winner in Heritage Champions
Since 1952, this civil society organization has been instrumental in financing and managing research and conservation projects for Dubrovnik’s cultural landmarks, including the iconic City Walls. The Society played a key role in securing Dubrovnik’s inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979 and continues to be a driving force in protecting and enhancing this extraordinary site.
Ignacy Historic Mine, Rybnik, POLAND
Grand Prix Winner in Conservation & Adaptive Reuse
This ambitious renovation project transformed one of Poland’s oldest coal mines, founded in 1792, into a cultural and recreational hub.
The closing networking ceremony will take place this evening (08/10/2024), and the day started with a guided tour of Armenian Heritage sites. The European Heritage Summit continues to highlight the importance of safeguarding cultural heritage, demonstrating how it contributes to sustainable development, social cohesion, and economic growth throughout Europe.
photo credits: © Felix Q Media / Europa Nostra
