SEE Heritage is exceptionally concerned about the authority’s relation towards cultural heritage in the region. The situation in the whole SEE area has been rather alarming; there are many examples that are showing clear neglect and devastation of cultural heritage often described as a step towards space improvement, while it is all about investments in tempting locations.

One of SEE Heritage initiator, Professor Irina Subotic, is explaining in the interview what is happening in Belgrade and how huge and unstoppable these changes are.

Despite the fact that the National Theatre in Tirana has entered the 7 Most Endangered 2020 list, regardless of the fact that a large group of citizens, artists and intellectuals are petitioning for the building to be saved, it was demolished at the dawn on Sunday 17 May.

The building itself was designed by Italian architect Giulio Bertè in 1939. It was situated at the very core of Tirana’s center and it was a part of the Historic Center, and therefore, the area as an ensemble had some (at least written) level of protection. Nevertheless, the Institute for the Monuments Protection and Ministry of Culture have not had any public reaction regarding the Theater. This does not come as a surprise since laws and terminology regarding protected areas are changing on a regular basis.

SEE Heritage Network is please to share the Europa Nostra’s announcement of the 7 Most Endangered monuments and heritage sites in Europe for 2020.

Our network is especially pleased to see two nominees from member countries:

1. National Theatre of Albania in Tirana, Albania and 2. Belgrade Fortress and its Surroundings in Belgrade, Serbia

It is interesting that both sites have been threatened by debatable governments' decisions on possible construction investments. Luckily, in both countries these news shocked citizens and civil society. Soon a voice was raised against the announced changes that would do irreparable damage to these monuments. Much has been done to prevent potential damage. We hope that, in addition to all efforts, the publication of these two cultural assets on "the 7 Most Endangered monuments and heritage sites in Europe for 2020" list will greatly contribute to their continued preservation.

With catastrophic fires in Australia and global political uncertainty, this year did not start well, and it seems to us, SEE Heritage Network, that we humankind will have a lot work to do in this year. Probably many things and habits will have to be transformed, new behaviors implemented, yet there is no doubt that we need to unite in our efforts for better, safer, more rightful, more equal life on this incredible planet of ours that hosts us.

Therefore, even though it is still the very beginning of the year and the mood should be joyful, here is the full statement of Europa Nostra about using a cultural heritage as a weapon of war:

Europa Nostra: It is unacceptable to intentionally target cultural heritage as a weapon of war

Europa Nostra and the EIBInstitute announced 14 heritage sites shortlisted for the #7MostEndangered programme 2020.

Two of the projects that are listed are in SEE Heritage Network member countries, and both of them in the capital cities – Belgrade and Tirana.

This is the list of all 14 projects:

1. National Theatre of Albania, Tirana, ALBANIA
2. Karas – Traditional Wine Vessels, ARMENIA
3. Khoranashat Monastery, Tavush Region, ARMENIA
4. Castle Jezeří, Horní Jiřetín, CZECH REPUBLIC
5. Tapiola Swimming Hall, Espoo, FINLAND
6. Castle of Sammezzano, Tuscany, ITALY
7. Archaeological Park of Sybaris, ITALY
8. Ivicke House, Wassenaar, THE NETHERLANDS
9. Y-block, Government Quarter, Oslo, NORWAY
10. Szombierki Power Plant, Bytom, POLAND
11. Belgrade Fortress and its surrounding, SERBIA
12. Plečnik Stadium, Ljubljana, SLOVENIA
13. Cuatro Caminos Metro Depot, Madrid, SPAIN
14. Egyptian Halls, Glasgow, UNITED KINGDOM

We are only bringing to you Europa Nostra’s texts about projects of member countries

Earth is magical material – You can use it for construction, art, decoration, dance and play in many different way(s)!

During those 4 days there will be many different:

1. WORKSHOPS FOR / WITH KIDS

2. SESSIONS & PERFORMANCES

3. THEATER PLAYS

WORKSHOPS – every day 9-12 & 13-16h

Scenography for kindergarten made out of natural materials

Masks and dolls for kid’s theater play

Earthen wall.

And we can host 2-3 more workshops.

If you would like to suggest a WORKSHOP related to these topics (or something totally different, but using earth and/or other natural materials), please let us know by filling in the form by 1st of December 2019. You will get our answer by 15th of December.

The built environment has an enormous role in the way we live together in this world.
Today’s construction activities are extremely resource-intensive and harmful to the environment and our climate.

BASEhabitat invites built environment professionals to develop radically new ideas for dealing with today’s global challenges.

Join the new Postgraduate Degree – Become a builder of change

APPLY NOW

2nd Call: Sept 30 – Nov 08, 2019

The registration for the 17th International Congress on Dry Stone, 2020 is now open! The congress with the dry stone walling workshop will be held from 2 to 4 October 2020 in Konavle, Croatia. The event is organised by association 4 GRADA DRAGODID on behalf of International Scientific Society for Dry Stone Interdisciplinary Study (S.P.S. / S.D.S.), with the local partners. 

English: INFO, APPLICATION FORM

As previously published on our website, a controversial cable-car project that has been initiated by Belgrade’s governmental institutions, caused public reactions and strong protest of professionals from various fields. The cable-car should have been constructed at the most important cultural and historical location as well as one of the most important urban points in Belgrade – its fortress. The fortress itself is archeological site, and crucial place for understanding Belgrade, its phases and layers of development.

Thanks to our persistent and worthy colleagues from EUROPA NOSTRA SERBIA, this project has been stopped.

Don't forget to vote for the Public Choice Award, you have time until the 15th of September! You must vote for 3 projects from 3 different countries. Your first vote counts for 3 points, your second vote for 2 and your third vote for 1. The winner will be announced in Paris during the European Heritage Awards Ceremony on 29 October. Watch the project videos, choose your favourites and spread the word!