Every year since 2013, Europa Nostra (the European Voice of Civil Society Committed to Cultural and Natural Heritage) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) select seven monuments and historical sites for their “7 Most Endangered Programme“. Although the final selection hasn’t been made yet, the two organisations have released a shortlist including a grand total of eleven candidates which are all threatened to disappear and which were selected by an international advisory panel formed of experts in history, archaeology, architecture, conservation and finance. The final list will be unveiled in April.
“The selected heritage sites are threatened by demolition, unsuitable development, the devastating impact of natural disasters, neglect or lack of funding. 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, Dr Hermann Parzinger, commented on the release.
According to Europa Nostra and the EIB, the selection for the Most Endangered Programme is based on both the outstanding heritage significance and the cultural value of each of the sites, and takes into account the serious danger that they are facing. Moreover, the level of engagement of local communities and the commitment of public and private stakeholders who are trying to save these sites are considered as crucial added values. Finally, the potential of these sites to act as a catalyst for sustainable socio-economic development was also taken into account.
“The 7 Most Endangered Programme is a civil society campaign to save Europe’s endangered heritage. It raises awareness, makes independent technical assessments, proposes recommendations for action and seeks to rally support to save the selected endangered sites. Being on the 7 Most Endangered List often serves as a catalyst for action and as an incentive for mobilisation of the necessary public or private support”, the organisations explain.
1. Archaeological Site of Muret e Portës – Durrës, Albania
Located amidst the port of Durrës, the archaeological site of Muret e Portës showcases remains from the Archaic, Roman and Byzantine periods. According to the research carried out by archaeologist Apollon Baçe and reported by Amfora Media in December 2023, the “MBM Port” company has destroyed 78 metres of the 140-metre long defensive western wall, despite the protected status of the site.
2. Amberd Historical and Cultural Reserve – Armenia
Amberd encompasses a defensive structure, a castle, a church, a bath house and other ancillary buildings on the southern slope of Mount Aragats. The 7th century castle is slowly decaying, a situation worsened by tremors and nature taking over the building.
3. Palais du Midi – Brussels, Belgium
This 175 metre-long eclectic building was designed by Wynand Janssens in 1875 and houses multiple services. However, due to the construction of a new metro line, plans foresee its partial demolition which would retain only the facades of the building.
4. Working-class Housing (courées) – Roubaix-Tourcoing, France
In the 19th century, Roubaix-Toucoing was at the heart of France’s textile industry. Workers were staying in small houses where living conditions weren’t great. Nowadays, only a couple of these courées still exist and the municipality is planning to demolish the site in favour of a new urban renovation plan.
5. Cycladic Islands, notably Sifnos – Serifos and Folegandros, Greece
The Cyclades archipelago comprises around 220 islands, spread over the Aegean Sea, characterised by rugged terrain and small rural houses. However, increasing tourist-oriented construction is threatening their unique character.
6. Church of San Pietro in Gessate – Milan, Italy
The Church of San Pietro lies in the heart of Milan and was finished in the 15th century. Frescos made by Lombard painters decorate the church’s walls but deterioration of the site is rapidly wiping those frescos off the face of the Earth.
7. Synagogue of Siena – Italy
Only few pre-19th century synagogues in Europe survive and even fewer are still in use by local communities – the synagogue of Siena is one of them. The 1786 building, designed by architect Giuseppe del Rosso, combines Rococo and Neoclassical elements. However, an earthquake in February 2023 caused structural damage to the vault and the building is now structurally unstable.
8. Palace in Sztynort – northern Masuria, Poland
Located next to the Masurian Lakes, the Palace in Sztynort was built between 1689 and 1691 by the German noble family of Lehndorff. The palace is now in need of restoration in order to preserve it for future generations but the project is under threat due to its complex management structure and the need for substantial financial support.
9. Home of the Yugoslav People’s Army – Šabac, Serbia
Even though this Modernist building from 1962 served as a vibrant cultural and social hub, it is being threatened by demolition. The local government might be selling the building to an investor and action is therefore needed in order to preserve its unique status, while renovation works are needed to shelter it from water damage.
10. Greek Orthodox Church of St. Georgios – Altınözü / Hatay province, Türkiye
Even though the Church of St. Georgios has been around since the Byzantine period, the building is now in need of help. An earthquake on 6 February 2023 caused severe structural damage, which could lead to its entire collapse if renovation works are not carried out.
11. Iron Gate of Antioch – Antakya / Hatay province, Türkiye
At this 18-metre high stone structure, St. Peter is believed to have gathered the first Christian community. Moreover, the building functions as a dam, strategically constructed to regulate the torrents of the Parmenios River to prevent city floods. Again, the earthquake on 6 February 2023 put the building at risk and if the damage isn’t restored, it might slowly but surely fall into decay.
