70 000 : that’s the impressive number of events that are organized every year to celebrate the European Heritage Days. Since 1999, this initiative by the Council of Europe and the European Commission offers to the public the opportunity to visit some otherwise not visitable buildings, to access for free to some of the main patrimonial sites of a country, or to simply discover again one’s favorite landmark in a new light. A beautiful and diverse explosion of culture and inclusivity all around the continent. This 2022 edition, expected on the 17th and 18th of September, should be no exception. We asked our team of journalists from all over Europe what are their must-see places to visit on that special week-end. Follow the guides !
Slovenia
Originally a monastery built in the 13th century for the Teutonic Knights, Križanke was converted into an open-air theatre by the greatest Slovenian architect, the internationally renowned Jože Plečnik, in the 1950s. Catch a summer concert there and it’s magic. – by Daniel Sheppard
Greece
Epidaurus is a small sanctuary and perhaps the grandest testimony to the cultural wealth of ancient Greece. Situated in the Argolid Peninsula, it’s famous worldwide for its spectacular Theatre, which is still in use during summer since the ancient times. – by Maro Angelopoulou
Estonia
If you want to experience forgotten Soviet architecture’s transformation to modern platform, visit the heart of Estonian techno and electronic music – underground club HALL. Situated in hip Noblessner district, it unites the community and serves raw club culture. It’s also known for great food and drink. – by Sandra Leushina
Italy
Recently added to the UNESCO heritage list, Bologna’s porticoes are a sight to behold when in town. In particular the 666 arches arcade leading up to the Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca, which has become a destination not only for pilgrims and tourists but also for those who want to keep fit. – by Susanna La Polla De Giovanni
Ireland
Newgrange is a neolithic passage tomb north of Dublin that is older than the Pyramids or Stonehenge. The beautiful man-made mound is perfectly aligned to Winter Solstice sunrise, and an annual competition assigns the right to sit within it that morning to a tiny number of people. Awe inspiring. – by James Hendicott
Romania
With the dissolution of a destructive open-cast gold mining project that created discord for 20 years and the site’s inscription in the UNESCO World Heritage, the historical Roșia Montană area is an illustration of an environmental crisis that has directly led to changes towards sustainable development in my country. – by Eliza Nita
Spain
Antoni Gaudi is a cultural symbol. Among all his works there is one that is part of the skyline of Barcelona, a World Heritage Site and one of the most visited monuments in Europe. The Sagrada Familia is much more than a temple, it is a symbol of Catalan modernism. – by Marcos Molinero
Portugal
Only 30 kilometers away from Lisbon, Sintra is probably one of the best kept secrets of the region. Inside the National Park, you will find the Romantic Palace of Pena, built in the 1800s, but the stories around that area are centuries-long. Travel back in time and enjoy nature. – by Gonçalo Castro
France
It was a swimming pool, the kind that flourished in the 1920’s at the midst of art déco style, with cabins on the balcony and sunshine coming through the canopy. La Piscine, a museum located in Roubaix, on the outskirts of Lille, is now a quiet and poetic place that exhibits art from the XIXth century. A little imagination and you’ll be able to smell the chlorine and hear the children playing. – by Clémence Meunier
Belgium
I choose to highlight Brussels and its splendid houses by the architect Victor Horta, jewels of the decorative and architectural movement of Art Nouveau. A must seen : « Horta Museum ». – by Aline Glaudot