Provadia-Solnitsata, recognized as the earliest salt production and urban center in Europe, received the European Heritage Label (EHL) for 2026 during an official ceremony held in Brussels. The event, marking the 15th anniversary of the initiative, was hosted at the Art & History Museum. According to the National Archaeological Institute with Museum at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, the addition of new sites has brought the total number of EHL holders to 80 across 23 European countries.
The ceremony convened members of the European Parliament, diplomats, cultural heritage experts, and various stakeholders. The 2025 selection incorporated 13 new sites, demonstrating the breadth and depth of Europe’s shared history and cultural landscape. These sites were chosen by an independent panel from 21 candidates, based not only on historical importance but also on their dedication to education, public engagement, and promoting European values, particularly among younger populations.
Commissioner Micallef stated that the newly awarded locations exemplify the core principles of the European Heritage Label, reflecting the richness of Europe’s shared history and aiding citizens in connecting with their common identity. The leaders of the Provadia-Solnitsata project received the symbolic EHL plaque from Commissioner Micallef. Academician Vasil Nikolov emphasized the site’s significance to early European history.
The European Heritage Label is an initiative of the European Commission, supported by the Creative Europe programme and implemented with participating EU member states. Since 2011, the Commission has supported the label as a key effort to boost the visibility of Europe’s shared heritage, including historical sites such as solnitsata.
Topics: #european #solnitsata #salt
