Amberd Historical and Cultural Reserve has been shortlisted in the “7 Most Endangered” program as one of Europe’s 11 most endangered heritage sites.
Europa Nostra is the European voice of civil society dedicated to cultural and natural heritage, and the European Investment Bank (EIB) Institute announced the names of monuments and heritage sites included in Europe’s 2024 “7 Most Endangered” program.
The 11 most endangered monuments and heritage sites in Europe in 2024 are:
o Amberd historical and cultural reserve, ARMENIA
o Ancient site of Durres (Muret e Portës), ALBANIA
o Midi Palace (Palais du Midi), Brussels, BELGIUM
o Working class housing in Roubaix-Tourquen, FRANCE
o Cyclades Islands, Sifnos, Serifos and Folegandros, GREECE
o St. Peter’s Church of Gesati, Milan, ITALY
o Siena Synagogue, ITALY
o Steinort Palace, Northern Masuria, POLAND
o Home of the Yugoslav People’s Army in Šabac, SERBIA
o Saint George Greek Orthodox Church, Altinozu / Hatay Province, TURKEY
o Iron Gate of Antioch, Antakya / Hatay Province, TURKEY
Executive President of “Europa Nostra,” Dr. Prof. Herman Parzinger, stated: “Selected heritage sites are at risk of demolition, inappropriate development, the devastating impact of natural disasters, neglect or lack of funding. By publishing this shortlist, we want to send a message of support to the activists and local communities deeply committed to saving these places. Europe’s heritage must be preserved as a testament to our shared past and a catalyst for a stable, united, peaceful future.
Shiva Dustdar, Dean of the European Investment Bank Institute, said, “Cultural heritage is a key resource for European identity, attractiveness, and economic growth. This short list reminds us how fragile that legacy is and how much we take it for granted—the institute and our long-time partner, Europa Nostra. Across Europe is, expanding the efforts of local communities who know that saving cultural heritage sites will help tackle other pressing challenges. We hope to see these landmarks restored and preserved for future generations.”
An international advisory panel selected the above-endangered heritage sites. The group includes history, archaeology, architecture, fortification, project analysis, and finance experts. Member organizations, associated organizations, or individual members of Europa Nostra and members of the European Heritage Alliance nominate sites for the 2024 “7 Most Endangered” program.
The selection was made based on each site’s heritage significance and cultural value, as well as the serious threat they face today. The level of involvement of local communities and the commitment of public and private stakeholders to save these sites were highlighted as added values. Another selection criterion was the potential of these sites as a catalyst for sustainable socio-economic development.
The final list of the “7 most endangered” heritage sites in Europe for 2024 will be published in April.
The 7 Most Endangered program is part of a civil society campaign to save Europe’s endangered heritage. It raises public awareness, provides independent assessments, and recommends further action. Launched in 2013, this innovative program is managed by Europa Nostra in cooperation with the European Investment Bank Institute. It also supports the European Union’s “Creative Europe” program. Since the project’s launch, 56 endangered monuments and heritage sites from 31 European countries have been selected.
Europa Nostra is the voice of European civil society dedicated to preserving and promoting cultural and natural heritage. It is a pan-European federation of non-governmental organizations in the field of heritage. Supports an extensive network of government agencies, private companies, and individuals spanning more than 40 countries. It is the largest and most representative network of the European heritage sector and maintains close relations with the European Union, the Council of Europe, UNESCO, and other international institutions. Europa Nostra campaigns to save Europe’s endangered monuments, sites, and landscapes, mainly through the “7 Most Endangered” project. It encourages high quality and excellent craftsmanship with the European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards. Europa Nostra actively contributes to the definition and implementation of European strategies and policies related to heritage through participatory dialogue with European institutions and coordination of the European Heritage Alliance. Europa Nostra led the European partnership selected by the European Commission to run the European Heritage Center pilot project (2023-2025).
It is also an official partner of the New European Bauhaus initiative developed by the European Commission and is a leading European member and supporter of the Climate Heritage Network.
The European Investment Bank Institute (EIB-I) was established within the EIB Group (European Investment Bank and European Investment Fund) to promote and support social, cultural, and academic initiatives with European stakeholders and the general public. It is a crucial pillar of ENB Group’s community and citizenship engagement. More information can be found at http://institute.eib.org.
Creative Europe is an EU program that supports the cultural and creative sectors, enabling them to increase their contribution to European society, economy, and environment. With a budget of €2.4 billion for 2021-2027, the program supports organizations in the heritage, performing arts, fine arts, interdisciplinary arts, publishing, film, television, music, and video games sectors, as well as tens of thousands of artists, cultural and audiovisual professionals.
