European Heritage Days

Every year in September, the 50 signatory States to the European Cultural Convention take part in the European Heritage Days – a joint action of the Council of Europe and the European Commission, putting new cultural assets on view and opening up historical buildings normally closed to the public. The cultural events highlight local skills and traditions, architecture and works of art, but the broader aim is to bring citizens together in harmony even though there are differences in cultures and languages. Each year, national and regional events are organised around a special theme. These themes vary in each country from year to year. They include such topics as: specific forms of heritage (e.g. farmhouses, musical instruments, culinary traditions, garden architecture); specific periods in history (e.g. the Medieval heritage, the Baroque heritage); society’s approaches to heritage (e.g. heritage and citizenship, heritage and youth).

The Council of Europe and the European Commission encourage the selection of trans-national themes which can be illustrated by cross-border activities that are jointly set up by the different countries. Aims of the European Heritage Days:

raise the awareness of European citizens to the richness and cultural diversity of Europe; create a climate in which the appreciation of the rich mosaic of European cultures is stimulated; counter racism and xenophobia and encourage greater tolerance in Europe and beyond the national borders; inform the public and the political authorities about the need to protect cultural heritage against new threats; invite Europe to respond to the social, political and economic challenges it faces. Since 1999, the European Heritage Days have a permanent slogan: "Europe, a common heritage". Read about the project and the report on the first 25 years: European Heritage Days To learn more about what is happening in different European countries click on this map Image: Heritage Agency of Denmark