The programme, which sees up to 20 million visitors every year, generates the greatest value, Euro for Euro, of any European cultural project. Here's how you can get involved where you are.
ADVERTISEMENTIt's rare to have a pan-European celebration outside of major religious festivals, but the weekend of September 18 & 19, brings the continent just that.
Heritage Open Days take place in 50 countries, and if you live in a nation that has signed up to the European Cultural Convention, then there's something for you this special weekend, and for the rest of September too.
Across different countries, this festival comes under many guises:
“Tag des Denkmals” (Austria), “Journées du Patrimoine”, “Open Monumententdag” (Belgium and Netherlands), “Muinsuskaitsepäevade” (Estonia), “Tag des offenen Denkmals” (Germany), “Kulturális Örökség Napjai” (Hungary), “National Heritage Week” (Ireland), “Kulturminnedagene” (Norway), “Kulturarvsdagen” (Sweden), “Heritage Open Days”, “Open House London”, “Doors Open Days” and “Drysau Agored” (United Kingdom).
A joint initiative by the Council of Europe and the European Commission, this far-reaching programme hosts up to 20 million visitors every year. From more niche events such as learning how to build a Flemish organ (you know you can't resist) or the wonders of industrial heritage in Sisak, Croatia, to more family-oriented days out such as medieval fairs and stately home open house visits.
Here are just a few examples of what's on offer:
France: 500th anniversary of Sainte-Chapelle de Vic-le-Comte is celebrated with archery, medieval dancing, music, picnics and guided tours.
Scotland: Celebrate Glasgow novelist, wit and pedestrian Alasdair Gray by visiting the great man's archive before it officially opens.
Bulgaria: Open-air dance festival with experts to show you the traditions and stories from the country's folklore.
England: A brewery tour in Reading, Berkshire, only a short train ride from London. You bring the mask, they provide the beer goggles.
Slovakia: Sleep Out Vol. 4: Listen to stories from street sleepers and see the world through their eyes as you spend a night without a roof yourself in Bratislava.
Spain: The Petritegi apple cider festival, near San Sebastian, with orchard tours and cider tasting with a sensory approach
"European Heritage Days contribute to building bridges by celebrating the richness of European cultural heritage, and they provide us with a valuable opportunity to explore and celebrate the mosaic of cultures from which Europe is built," says Marija Pejčinović Burić, Secretary-General of the Council of Europe.
