European Heritage Days

Launched in 1985 by the Council of Europe, the European Heritage Days take place every year in September in the 50 signatory countries to the European Cultural Convention.

During these Days, doors of thousands of monuments and sites across Europe are opened to visitors for free, allowing them to learn about their shared cultural heritage. The initiative’s objectives are to:

• Raise awareness of Europe’s cultural richness and diversity
• Counter racism and xenophobia and encourage greater tolerance for other cultures across Europe
• Inform citizens and public authorities about the need to protect cultural heritage
• Invite Europe to respond to the social, political and economic challenges of the culture sector