The medal, one of twenty-two 2nd prizes, was awarded in the "research" category.
Among the six first-prize winners was a project to conserve the southern façade of the Horní Hrad (Upper Castle) of the eský Krumlov State Castle in the Czech Republic. The jury praised the project for "establishing new standards in...Czech monument care".
A top prize also went to the International Built Heritage Conservation Training Centre at the Bánffy Castle in Bonida, Romania. "Highly valued for its double approach: training for conservation and conservation through training. It is an excellent example of cross border exchange of knowledge and a worthy winner of this award in the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue," the jury said.
Cesky Krumlov
The European Heritage Awards were jointly launched in 2002 by the European Commission and Europa Nostra, in the framework of the Commission's Culture Programme, to celebrate outstanding initiatives among the many facets of Europe's cultural heritage in categories ranging from the restoration of buildings and their adaptation to new uses, to urban and rural landscape rehabilitation, archaeological site interpretations, and care for art collections. Also awarded are prizes for research and, for the first time in 2008, education projects related to cultural heritage, and dedicated service to heritage conservation by individuals or organisations.
This Awards Scheme aims to promote high standards and high-quality skills in conservation practice, and to stimulate the trans-frontier exchanges in the area of heritage. By spreading the "Power of Example", the Prize also aims to encourage further efforts and projects related to heritage throughout Europe.
This year, a total of 109 applications and nominations from 29 countries were received and assessed in situ by independent experts.
