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EUROPEAN HERITAGE DAYS: 50 COUNTRIES OFFER FREE ACCESS TO HISTORIC SITES
European Commission
August 29, 2013 Thursday 12:36 AM EST
BRUSSELS
The European Commission issued the following news release:
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."
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.
European Commission
August 29, 2013 Thursday 12:36 AM EST
BRUSSELS
The European Commission issued the following news release:
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."
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.