Provadia-Solnitsata, recognized as Europe’s earliest salt production and urban center, was awarded the European Heritage Label (EHL) for 2026 during a ceremony in Brussels. The event, held at the Art & History Museum, marked the 15th anniversary of the initiative. The National Archaeological Institute with Museum at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences reported that the inclusion of new sites brought the total number of EHL holders to 80 across 23 European countries.
The ceremony convened European Parliament members, representatives from European institutions, diplomats, cultural heritage experts, and stakeholders. The program featured artistic performances and exhibitions showcasing various EHL sites. The 2025 selection encompassed 13 new sites, illustrating the breadth of Europe’s shared history and cultural landscape.
These sites were chosen by an independent expert panel from 21 candidates, based not only on historical importance but also on their commitment to education, public engagement, and promoting European values, particularly among younger demographics. Commissioner Micallef stated that the newly awarded locations exemplify the core principles of the European Heritage Label, reflecting the depth of Europe’s shared history and aiding citizens in understanding their common heritage. 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 and expressed gratitude to the expert panel, the EHL Bureau, and the European Commission for the recognition. The European Heritage Label remains an initiative of the European Commission, supported by the Creative Europe programme, and has been a key effort since 2011 to boost the visibility of Europe’s shared cultural assets, including historic salt production areas like Solnitsata.
Topics: #european #solnitsata #salt
