Provadia-Solnitsata, recognized as the earliest center for salt production and urban life in Europe, received the European Heritage Label (EHL) designation for 2026 during a ceremony held at the Art & History Museum in Brussels. The event marked the 15th anniversary of the initiative. According to the National Archaeological Institute with Museum at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, the inclusion of new sites has brought the total number of EHL holders to 80 across 23 European countries.
The ceremony, which gathered members of the European Parliament, diplomats, and cultural experts, featured a keynote address by Glenn Micallef. Commissioner Micallef noted that the newly awarded sites exemplify the value of the European Heritage Label, reflecting the richness of Europe’s shared history and aiding citizens in understanding their common heritage. The 2025 selection highlighted 13 new sites chosen from 21 candidates.
These sites were selected by an independent panel not only for their historical depth but also for their commitment to public education and the promotion of European values among younger generations. The heads of the Provadia-Solnitsata project received the symbolic plaque from Commissioner Micallef. Academician Vasil Nikolov emphasized the site’s importance to early European history.
The European Heritage Label is an initiative of the European Commission, supported by the Creative Europe programme. Since 2011, the Commission has utilized the label to strengthen the visibility of shared European heritage, acknowledging sites like this crucial early center for salt extraction.
Topics: #european #solnitsata #salt
