Europa Nostra

The Europa Nostra Awards are highly prestigious in the field of cultural heritage. This year’s award ceremony was held in Oslo City Hall in connection with the 2015 European Heritage Congress in Oslo on 10–14 June.

A total of 28 prizes were awarded, selected from among a record 263 applications from 29 countries. The prizes are divided into four categories:

1. Conservation – conservation, enhancement and adaptation;
2. Research and digitalisation;
3. Dedicated service (by individuals and organisations);
4. Education, training and awareness-raising.

Two Norwegian prize-winners

Two Norwegian projects were among the winners this year. The Eidsvoll House received an award in the “Conservation” category for the extensive work carried out prior to the bicentennial anniversary of the Norwegian Constitution. The Outbuilding Project in Røros received an award in the category of “Education, training and awareness-raising”.

For a complete list of prize-winners, please see the Europa Nostra website (link at right).

The Eidsvoll House

The Eidsvoll House was restored to its past splendour prior to the bicentennial anniversary of the Norwegian Constitution in 2014. Both the exterior and interior were returned to their original condition. Research into historical sources uncovered previously unknown information about the building’s original exterior and interior, and the restoration followed this to the minutest detail.

The Outbuilding Project

The historic centre of Røros has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site for many years. The objective of the Outbuilding Project has been to restore old outbuildings which were part of the urban farmyards used by the miners. As little of the original material as possible is removed, and all repairs are thoroughly documented. So far, 400 outbuildings have been returned to a condition that should last well into the future with normal maintenance.

The Public Choice Award

Crown Prince Haakon presented the Public Choice Award on Thursday evening. While the 28 prize-winners were announced in advance, the winner of the Public Choice Award was announced for the first time during the ceremony. The winner is selected by the European public through an online poll, and the Crown Prince revealed that the people had chosen the restoration of the Nuragic sculptures of Monte Prama in Sardinia as the winner.

The Nuragic civilisation dominated Sardinia from 1 800 BC to the 2nd century AD, when the island came under the rule of the Roman Empire.