Europa Nostra and the European Investment Bank (EIB) institute have announced the shortlist for this year’s 7 Most Endangered campaign. The advisory panel chose these 11 most endangered monuments and heritage sites in Europe for 2024’s shortlist.The final list of 7 sites wil be selected later by the Board of Europa Nostra.
2024’s shortlist:
- Archaeological Site of Muret e Portës, Durrës, ALBANIA
- This site showcases Archaic, Roman and Byzantine periods, but is situated in the middle of a loading dock at the port of Durrës and needs protection from modern development.
- This site showcases Archaic, Roman and Byzantine periods, but is situated in the middle of a loading dock at the port of Durrës and needs protection from modern development.
- Amberd Historical and Cultural Reserve, ARMENIA
- These impressive historic structures were abandoned for centuries, but the 7th-century stonework is now not only gradually decaying, but at risk of structural collapse from vegetation growth and tremors.
- These impressive historic structures were abandoned for centuries, but the 7th-century stonework is now not only gradually decaying, but at risk of structural collapse from vegetation growth and tremors.
- Palais du Midi, Brussels, BELGIUM
- This eclectic building is a hub for residents, commerce, and culture, but is threatened by the imminent construction of a new metro line in the Belgian capital.
- This eclectic building is a hub for residents, commerce, and culture, but is threatened by the imminent construction of a new metro line in the Belgian capital.
- Working-class Housing (courées) in Roubaix-Tourcoing, FRANCE
- Courées were built to house workers for the region’s textile industry, but now only a handful remain. Current development plans, however, favour their demolition.
- Courées were built to house workers for the region’s textile industry, but now only a handful remain. Current development plans, however, favour their demolition.
- Cycladic Islands, notably Sifnos, Serifos and Folegandros, GREECE
- The notoriety of the Cyclades as tourist destinations is unfortunately leaving its mark on the islands, with their character and heritage being eroded by tourist-oriented construction.
- The notoriety of the Cyclades as tourist destinations is unfortunately leaving its mark on the islands, with their character and heritage being eroded by tourist-oriented construction.
- Church of San Pietro in Gessate, Milan, ITALY
- The 15th century church is rapidly deteriorating, including the renowned frescos in the side chapels, despite renovations to the roof 20 years ago.
- The 15th century church is rapidly deteriorating, including the renowned frescos in the side chapels, despite renovations to the roof 20 years ago.
- Synagogue of Siena, ITALY
- The Synagogue of Siena is a rare example of a pre-19th century synagogue that is not only still standing, but still in use by the local community. The earthquake in Feb. 2023, however, has left the building structurally unstable.
- The Synagogue of Siena is a rare example of a pre-19th century synagogue that is not only still standing, but still in use by the local community. The earthquake in Feb. 2023, however, has left the building structurally unstable.
- Palace in Sztynort, northern Masuria, POLAND
- The Palace in northern Masuria is a focal point for tourism and regional development, but is under threat from its complex management structure and a lack of financial support.
- The Palace in northern Masuria is a focal point for tourism and regional development, but is under threat from its complex management structure and a lack of financial support.
- Home of the Yugoslav People’s Army in Šabac, SERBIA
- This modernist building has served as a cultural and social hub for decades, but is now at risk of being sold to investors and demolished instead of being restored.
- This modernist building has served as a cultural and social hub for decades, but is now at risk of being sold to investors and demolished instead of being restored.
- Greek Orthodox Church of St. Georgios, Altınözü / Hatay province, TÜRKIYE
- The Church has stood for over a 1000 years, serving as a cultural and religious hub, but was badly damaged in the Feb. 2023 earthquake and now needs significant structural renovations.
- The Church has stood for over a 1000 years, serving as a cultural and religious hub, but was badly damaged in the Feb. 2023 earthquake and now needs significant structural renovations.
- Iron Gate of Antioch, Antakya / Hatay province, TÜRKIYE
- This historic 18m stone structure is believed to be where St. Peter gathered the first Christian community, but was another casualty of the Feb. 2023 earthquake and will require ongoing structural maintenance.
The campaign, first launched in 2013, has now helped raise awareness of the fragility of over 70 sites across Europe.
“By publishing this shortlist, we wish to convey a strong message of solidarity and support to the activists and local communities who are deeply committed to saving these sites. Europe’s heritage must be preserved not only as a testimony of our shared past, but also as a catalyst for a sustainable, cohesive and peaceful future.”
Executive President of Europa Nostra, Prof. Dr. Hermann Parzinger
The final 7 sites will be announced in April. The successful sites will receive a €10,000 grant not just for preservation, but also for activities that encourage further public or private support.
Know of a site in need of greater awareness? Head over to 7 Most Endangered to find out how to nominate a site for next year. Tangible and intangible heritage nomination are both accepted, and a site can be endangered for any reason.