In September, European citizens may take advantage of free access to thousands of rarely opened sites
The European Heritage Days which are being celebrated each year in September, are an opportunity for taking advantage of free access to thousands of rarely opened sites and special events in 50 countries across Europe. In addition, a number of countries are producing joint events to emphasise the European dimension of the initiative.
The European Commission expects that over the coming month, more than 20 million people are taking advantage of free access to thousands of rarely opened sites and special events as part of the European Heritage Days, which take place every September in 50 countries across Europe. Last year, the Commission also expected more than 20 million people visiting the sites during the European Heritage Days.
On this occasion, a stunning variety of sites and events will open to the public. They range from France's 'hidden heritage' - rarely seen or unexpected examples of heritage concealed in walls, underground or in the landscape, the Leeds-based archives of Marks & Spencer, the UK chain-store famed for its underwear and sandwiches, examples of Germany's enduring love affair with timber in all its forms since Neolithic times, and a celebration of the 'art of building' in Brussels, Belgium, highlighting engineering and technical advances that led to the evolution of architecture. Moreover, a number of countries are producing joint events to emphasise the European dimension of the initiative. Spain, Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia, for instance, have created a website which will link wine museums across Europe; the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Slovenia, France and Belgium are cooperating on a youth exchange and heritage education event.
The European Heritage Days will be officially launched on 14-16 October, with the 5th European Heritage Days Forum that will be held in Nicosia, Cyprus, in the presence of Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou. The forum will focus on the role of information and communication technologies in facilitating access to cultural heritage and in encouraging people to work for its preservation.