The Commission awards the European Heritage Label to La Nau cultural centre

The European Commission has announced the thirteen new sites selected for the European Heritage Label 2026, including one new Spanish site. The European Heritage Label, a flagship initiative of the Creative Europe programme, recognises places that have profoundly marked the history, culture and development of the European Union. This year, the number of sites awarded has increased significantly, reaching its highest level since 2014, highlighting the growing importance of cultural recognition.

These sites will receive official recognition during the European Heritage Label award ceremony, which will take place on  22 April in Brussels (Belgium),in the presence of Commissioner Micallef. Representatives of the European Parliament, as well as experts, stakeholders and other dignitaries from the field of cultural heritage, will also participate in the event.

We invite members of the press from each Member State to join us in the celebration.

The winning sites are as follows:

–Austria: Landeszeughaus Graz

–Belgium:Royal Estate and Museum of Mariemont

–Bulgaria:Provadia Salt Mine and Urban Centre

–Czech Republic:Freedom of Expression Space

–Germany: Urban River Landscape of the Pader

– Spain: La Nau Cultural Centre

–Spain:La Nau Cultural Centre

–Finland:Varkaus Industrial Heritage

–France: Rashiof Troyes. Memorial Sites

–Portugal, Spain, France, Hungary, Slovakia, Croatia and Bulgaria: Sites of Peace

– Italy: Bosco delle Querce

–Italy: Bosco Delle Querce

–Malta: Catacombs of Saint Paul

–Poland:Krzysztof Penderecki European Centre for Music

–Portugal: Lagar Velho Rock Shelter

The thirteen sites were selected by a group of independent experts from a shortlist of 21 candidates. The award also highlights their commitment to public engagement and awareness, and aims in particular to be a source of inspiration for young people.

The La Nao Cultural Centre becomes the fifth site in Spain to be recognised with this seal, alongside the Monastery of Yuste, the Archive of the Crown of Aragon, the Residencia de Estudiantes in Madrid and the Almadén Mining Park.

For more information on the European Heritage Label and the sixty-seven sites awarded in previous editions, visit the dedicated page on the Culture and Creativity website or follow us on our social media accounts: Facebook, Instagram and X.

More information: European Commission.