Europa Nostra and the European Investment Bank Institute are sounding the alarm on the anarchic building in the Cyclades, especially in Sifnos, Serifos and Folegandros, placing the Cyclades among the 7 monuments and heritage sites in Europe that are in danger of losing their authentic character, as the increasing tourist construction threatens to overshadow their intrinsic charm.
The list of the 7 most threatened monuments and heritage sites in Europe for 2024 has been announced by Europa Nostra, the European “voice” of civil society committed to cultural and natural heritage, and the European Investment Bank Institute.
The 7 most threatened cultural heritage sites in Europe for 2024 are:
-Working-class Housing (courées) in Roubaix-Tourcoing, France
-Cycladic islands, in particular Sifnos, Serifos and Folegandros, Greece
-Church of San Pietro in Gessate, Milan, Italy
-The Synagogue of Siena, Italy
-House of the Yugoslav People’s Army in Sabac, Serbia
-Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George, Altınözü/Hatay Prefecture, Turkey
-The Iron Gate of Antioch, Antakya/Hatay Prefecture, Turkey
Europa Nostra’s Board of Directors selected the finalists from among the 11 monuments and heritage sites from nine countries previously nominated by the Advisory Committee of the 7 Most Endangered Sites 2024 programme. Nominations for the programme were proposed by member organisations, partner organisations and individual members of Europa Nostra.
The selection of these 7 sites was based on the heritage significance and cultural value of each of them, as well as the serious threat they currently face.
Each of the 7 sites is entitled to a €10,000 grant from the European Investment Bank to be used to rescue them from the risks they face.
The nomination of the Hellenic Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage was made with the support of the mayors of the three affected Greek islands.
The 7 most threatened areas programme
The 7 most threatened sites programme is part of a civil society campaign to save Europe’s endangered heritage.
Since its launch, 63 endangered monuments and heritage sites (from castles to bridges, factories and churches) from 31 European countries have been selected, with around 25% of these projects successfully completed. While another 50% are making good or moderate progress and only three projects can be considered unsuccessful.
