Published 25 Feb 2026

Commission awards prestigious European Heritage Label to 13 historical sites across the EU

  
Meet the new 13 EHL Sites!
  
  

Today, the European Commission announced the 13 new heritage sites selected for the 2025  European Heritage Label (EHL).  A flagship initiative of the Creative Europe programme, the EHL 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 growing importance of cultural recognition.  

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, Hungary, Slovakia, Croatia, Bulgaria);
  • Bosco Delle Querce (Italy);
  • Saint Paul’s Catacombs (Malta);
  • Krzysztof Penderecki European Centre for Music (Poland);
  • Lagar Velho Rockshelter (Portugal). 

Glenn Micallef, Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture, and Sport, expressed his enthusiasm:

“Today, thirteen fascinating sites obtain the prestigious 2025 European Heritage Label, adding to the 67 sitesalready part of the network. Each of them is a storyteller, narrating Europe’s rich history and evolution. These sites offer citizens a chance to learn more about  the roots of the European Union and engage with the complexities of our past, including its difficult chapters. They contribute to a deeper understanding of the experiences that have shaped the EU as we know it today.” 

The 13 sites were selected by a panel of independent experts from a list of 21 shortlisted candidates. The honour also highlights their commitment to public engagement and awareness, with a specific focus on inspiring young audiences. 

The sites will receive formal recognition at the European Heritage Label Awards Ceremony, which will take place on 22 April 2026 in Brussels, Belgium, in the presence of Commissioner Micallef. Representatives from the EU Parliament as well as experts, stakeholders and other cultural dignitaries in the field of cultural heritage will also participate in the event.