PRESS RELEASE
Strasbourg/Brussels, 29 August 2013
European Heritage Days: 50 countries offer free access
to historic sites
Millions of people will enjoy free access to thousands of rarely opened historic and cultural
sites in 50 countries throughout September as part of the annual European Heritage Days,
a joint initiative of the European Commission and Council of Europe. The 2013 European
Heritage Days are officially launched tomorrow (30 August) in Yerevan, Armenia, which
currently holds the Chairmanship of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers. A new
interactive website will also be launched on the same day: it will provide details of the
sites which are open to the public, as well as information about special events taking place
in each country to tie in with the Heritage Days.
As usual, this year's European Heritage Days is brimming with a rich and varied range of
fascinating sites and events which bring history alive. In Northern Ireland, for instance,
visitors will be invited to imagine going into battle during the Middle Ages as they “feel the
heft of a sword and the weight of chain mail and the clang of a helmet visor”. 'Power and
Glory' is the theme in the Netherlands, where visitors will be able to experience 400 years
of history. Sweden’s 'Meeting Places' will offer an emotional journey to places of encounter
and departure over the centuries, while Switzerland will light up the heritage landscape
through the theme of fire, light and energy.
Androulla Vassiliou, European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and
Youth, said: "The European Heritage Days is a fantastic initiative, which can be enjoyed by
people of all ages and backgrounds. This year we expect more than 20 million adults and
children to take advantage of this special opportunity to visit sites which are normally
closed to the public. This is a great way to ensure that our shared European heritage is
treasured and protected for future generations, while also benefitting local communities
through increased tourism."
Gabriella Battaini-Dragoni, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe, added:
"The success of the European Heritage Days comes from being driven at local level by
municipal and regional communities. Every year, communities across Europe become part
of a 'cultural family' celebrating our immensely rich cultural heritage."
IP/13/794
Background on the European Heritage Days
Launched in 1985, the European Heritage Days have been organised since 1999 as a joint
initiative of the European Commission and the Council of Europe. The 50 signatory countries to the European
Cultural Convention take part in the European Heritage Days. The cultural events organised during the month-long
celebration showcase local skills and traditions, architecture and art, as well as seeking to promote mutual understanding among
European citizens.
To find out more
List of events
Council of Europe: European Heritage Days
European Commission: European Heritage Days
Androulla Vassiliou's website
Follow Androulla Vassiliou onTwitter @VassiliouEU
Contacts :
Dennis Abbott (+32 2 295 92 58) Dina Avraam (+32 2 295 96 67)
Council of Europe contacts:
Madelena Grossmann (+33 0 3 88 41 22 03) - Manager, European Heritage Days
Programme, Directorate General II – Democracy
Giuseppe Zaffuto (+33 0 3 90 21 56 04) – Media Officer
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