Provadia-Solnitsata, recognized as the earliest center for salt production and urban development in Europe, was awarded the European Heritage Label (EHL) for 2026 during a formal ceremony in Brussels. The event, held at the Art & History Museum, marked the 15th anniversary of the initiative. According to the National Archaeological Institute with Museum at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, the addition of these new sites brings the total number of EHL holders to 80 across 23 European countries.
The ceremony convened members of the European Parliament, European institutional representatives, diplomats, cultural heritage experts, and stakeholders. The program featured artistic performances and exhibitions showcasing various EHL sites. The 2025 selection included 13 new locations, underscoring the breadth and depth of Europe’s shared history and cultural landscape.
These sites were chosen by an independent expert panel from 21 candidates, based not only on their historical importance but also on their commitment to education, public engagement, and promoting European values, particularly among younger generations. Commissioner Micallef stated that the newly awarded sites exemplify the core principles of the European Heritage Label, reflecting Europe’s shared history and aiding citizens in connecting with their collective identity. During the ceremony, representatives from 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 acknowledged the expert panel, the EHL Bureau, and the European Commission. The European Heritage Label is an initiative of the European Commission, supported by the Creative Europe programme, and has been a key effort since 2011 to enhance the visibility of Europe’s shared heritage, including historical sites related to salt production like solnitsata.
Topics: #european #solnitsata #salt
The Solnitsata Prehistoric Salt Works, noted as Europe’s earliest center for salt production and urban development, was awarded the European Heritage Label (EHL) for 2026 during a ceremony held at the