Law 2039/1992 (61/Α/13-4-1992) ratifies the Convention for the Protection of the Architectural Heritage of Europe, signed in Granada 03 October 1985.
The Granada Convention for the Protection of the Architectural Heritage of Europe considers that the term “architectural heritage” is “an irreplaceable expression of the richness and diversity of Europe’s cultural heritage” and refers to monuments, groups of buildings and sites, comprising archaeological sites. Architectural heritage is perceived as “an invaluable testimony to our past”. This point aims to highlight the common past that unites the peoples of Europe and lays the foundations for the establishment of common institutions and structures for cooperation and coexistence.
As stated, the preservation of architectural assets contributes to the creation of a physical and symbolic background on which the consciousness of the common cultural identity and the historical continuity of peoples is built. This objective gives the Convention a particular anthropocentric character. Its central orientation is ‘sustainable development’ which combines both economic development and the protection of the human environment.
According to the Convention, for the purpose of precise identification of the monuments, groups of buildings and sites to be protected, each country undertakes to maintain inventories and in the event of threats to the properties concerned, to prepare appropriate documentation at the earliest opportunity. Moreover, in the surroundings of monuments, within groups of buildings and within sites, each country undertakes to promote measures for the general enhancement of the environment
