Europa Nostra and EIB Institute announce 14 heritage sites in Europe shortlisted for the 7 Most Endangered Programme 2025

[Secretary SEE Heritage]

View in your browser Read the full press release in English and the tailor-made press releases in the languages related to the shortlisted sites here The Hague / Brussels / Luxembourg, 30 January 2025 The 14 monuments and heritage sites in Europe shortlisted for this year’s edition of the 7 Most Endangered Programme were announced today by Europa Nostra, the leading European heritage civil society network, and the European Investment Bank Institute. Since its launch in 2013, the programme has become a leading civil society initiative dedicated to safeguarding Europe’s endangered heritage, acting as advocate and catalyst for rallying the necessary public and private support, including funding. These are the 14 most threatened monuments and heritage sites in Europe* preselected for 2025: - Arakelots Monastery and Settlement, ARMENIA - Railway Station of Mixnitz-Bärenschützklamm, AUSTRIA - Iron Castle of Ath, BELGIUM - Nyborg Castle, DENMARK - Castle of Monemvasia, GREECE - Blower Hall, Esch-sur-Alzette, LUXEMBOURG - Railway Bridges and Embankment Baardwijkse Overlaat, THE NETHERLANDS - National Theatre, Oslo, NORWAY - Great Synagogue in Orla, POLAND - Church and Convent of Paulistas in Lisbon, PORTUGAL - Generalštab Modernist Complex in Belgrade, SERBIA - Church of Santo Estevo de Pousada, SPAIN - Valhalla Swimming Hall, Gothenburg, SWEDEN - Victoria Tower Gardens, London, UNITED KINGDOM The 14 endangered heritage sites, spanning 14 European countries, were shortlisted by an Advisory Panel comprising European experts in history, archaeology, architecture, project analysis, and finance. The nominations of the sites for the 7 Most Endangered Programme 2025 were made or endorsed by members of Europa Nostra, as well as by members of the European Heritage Alliance. The shortlisted sites were selected on the basis of their heritage significance and cultural value, as well as the serious danger that they are facing today. The level of engagement of local communities and the commitment of public and private stakeholders to saving these sites were considered crucial added values. Another selection criterion was the potential of each of the sites to act as a catalyst for sustainable socioeconomic development. Detailed information about these endangered heritage sites and the particular reasons why they were shortlisted are provided on the 7 Most Endangered website. Watch the video The Executive President of Europa Nostra, Prof. Dr. Hermann Parzinger, said: “The shortlisted heritage sites are threatened by demolition, unsuitable development, lack of funding, or neglect. We strongly support the activists and communities who are fully committed to saving these sites. It is our shared responsibility to preserve and enhance Europe’s treasures. Our heritage is instrumental in building a more peaceful, cohesive and sustainable future.’’ The Head and Director of the European Investment Bank Institute, Shiva Dustdar, stated: “European identity, attractiveness, and economic growth are deeply rooted in our cultural heritage. This shortlist serves as a reminder of its fragility and how often we take it for granted. Through our continued partnership with Europa Nostra, the Institute amplifies the efforts of local communities across Europe. These communities recognise that preserving cultural heritage sites can help them address other pressing challenges. We look forward to seeing these sites restored and protected for future generations.” The final list of 7 Most Endangered heritage sites in Europe for 2025 will be unveiled in March/April. The 7 Most Endangered Programme forms part of a civil society campaign to save Europe's endangered heritage. Launched in 2013, this innovative programme is run by Europa Nostra in partnership with the European Investment Bank (EIB) Institute. It also has the support of the Creative Europe programme of the European Union. To mark the 10th anniversary of the 7 Most Endangered Programme, the EIB released the brochure ‘Saving the Past – Shaping the Future’, which highlights some of the success stories and the importance of community engagement. The brochure, produced in close collaboration with Europa Nostra, can be read and downloaded in six languages. * The sites are listed in alphabetical order of the country where they are located. Full Press Releases (in 13 languages) │ Photos & e-banners │ Video EUROPA NOSTRA The European Voice of Civil Society Committed to Cultural Heritage Headquarters Lange Voorhout 15, 2514 EA The Hague, The Netherlands | +31 (0)70 302 40 50 | in...@europanostra.org Brussels Office Rue de l'Industrie/Nijverheidstraat 10, 1000 Brussels, Belgium | b...@europanostra.org Image credits: Europa Nostra Stay in touch with Europa Nostra! Click here to make sure you are subscribed to our emails Follow us With the support of the Creative Europe programme of the European Union If you wish to unsubscribe from our newsletter, click here