This annual publication provides descriptions, jury citations, and contact details for the winners of the European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards. In 2024, these prestigious awards recognised 26 outstanding heritage achievements from 18 countries across Europe.
The 2024 awardees embody the principles of the New European Bauhaus initiative, led by the European Commission. This initiative integrates the European Green Deal into daily life, emphasising the crucial role of cultural heritage in fostering a circular economy and helping the EU achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
The winners reflect a commitment to a sustainable and inclusive future, showcasing the synergy between science, technology, art, and culture. They highlight how cultural heritage can address contemporary climate challenges. For example, the restoration of the Snow Wells in Spain demonstrates past generations’ ingenuity in adapting to warmer climates. Meanwhile, the renovation of the modernist Royale Belge in Belgium offers a model for sustainably utilising existing buildings, potentially inspiring similar efforts across Europe.
Europe’s diverse cultures and communities require inclusivity to ensure everyone feels a sense of belonging. It is crucial that those with fewer opportunities, including non-traditional audiences, find their place in heritage practices. Many of this year’s winners prioritise inclusivity. For instance, the Traditional Farm Buildings Scheme in Ireland helps farmers appreciate the heritage value of their buildings, showing that heritage includes all forms of architecture. Similarly, the restoration of the Ignacy Historic Mine in Poland, led by former miners, has revitalised the surrounding area.
The European Heritage Awards 2024 publication encourages readers to embrace and advocate for shared cultural heritage.
