The European Commission has announced 13 new heritage sites selected for the 2025 European Heritage Label, recognizing their key role in the history and culture of Europe, and adding to the 67 sites already part of the network.
The newly awarded sites are: Landeszeughaus Graz (Austria); Domain & Royal Museum of Mariemont (Belgium); Provadia Salt-Production and Urban Centre (Bulgaria); Free Speech Space (Czechia); Pader Urban River Landscape (Germany); La Nau Cultural Centre (Spain); Industrial Heritage of Varkaus (Finland); Rashi of Troyes – Places of Remembrance (France); Places of Peace (Portugal, Spain, France, Hungary, Slovakia, Croatia, Bulgaria); Bosco Delle Querce (Italy); Saint Paul’s Catacombs (Malta); Krzysztof Penderecki European Centre for Music (Poland); Lagar Velho Rockshelter (Portugal).
A flagship initiative of the Creative Europe programme, the label recognises sites that have profoundly impacted the history, culture, and development of the European Union. This year marks a significant increase in awarded sites, with the highest number of recipients since 2014, highlighting the continued importance of the cultural sector. The honour also highlights the commitment to public engagement and awareness, with a specific focus on inspiring young audiences.
Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport Commissioner Glenn Micallef (pictured) expressed his enthusiasm: “Today, 13 extraordinary sites obtain the prestigious 2025 European Heritage Label. From Saint Paul’s Catacombs in Malta to the Industrial Heritage of Varkaus in Finland, each site is a living testament, and a storyteller, capturing the essence of Europe’s rich history and evolution. They bring Europe’s shared history to life, offering people a chance to learn about the roots of Europe and to transform the complexities of our past into a living dialogue that connects cultures and empowers young people. They contribute to a deeper understanding of the experiences that have shaped the European Union as we know it today.”
The 13 sites were selected by a panel of independent experts from a list of 21 shortlisted candidates. The winners will be invited to the European Heritage Label Awards Ceremony, which will take place on 22 April 2026 in Brussels, Belgium, in the presence of Commissioner Micallef.
More information on the newly awarded sites and the 67 sites awarded in previous editions can be found online.
