Europa Nostra has announced the 7 most endangered heritage sites in Europe for 2022

The year war returned to the continent, the list is a poignant reminder of the need to preserve

Europa Nostrathe largest heritage organization on the continent, and the European Investment Bank Institute announced the new list of the 7 most endangered heritage sites in Europe. This year, quite tragic for all of Europe given the circumstances of the war in Ukraine, has underlined the need to enhance our architectural heritage even more.

The list, however, also reminds us that military destruction is not the only threat to heritage, as the reason for the downgrading of its status may stem from various factors. Let’s take a look at this year’s list below and find out how each site earned it.

These are the 7 threatened sites

The 7 most threatened sites for 2022 have been selected by Europa Nostra’s Board of Directors among the 12 sites pre-selected by a panel of international experts. The selection was made on the basis of the exceptional heritage significance and cultural value of each of the sites as well as on the basis of the serious danger they face.

The level of engagement of local communities and the commitment of public and private actors to save these sites were seen as crucial added values. Another selection criterion was the potential of these sites to serve as a catalyst for sustainable socio-economic development as well as a tool for promoting peace and dialogue within their localities and wider regions.

the Zogou Bridge (Albania) is a masterpiece of civil engineering from the early 20th century in the Balkans. Built in 1927 over the Mat River in northern Albania, the bridge is renowned for its architectural structure, its length and the style of its steel arches.

The Zogu Bridge in its current state. Source: Europa Nostra

Despite its industrial heritage significance, the Zogu Bridge has been poorly maintained. The structure is in imminent danger of collapse due to damage to one of its columns. Since the construction of two new bridges over the Mat River in 1987 and 2000, the bridge has been disused, but is frequently visited by tourists given its original design and historical value.

the Convent of the Récollets (Nivelles, Belgium) is the only fully preserved example of Franciscan architecture in Belgium and one of the few remaining of its type in Europe. Built in 1524, it includes a late Gothic church – listed as a national monument in 1936 and last restored in the 1970s – which is still used for worship. The remaining buildings of the complex, organized around a cloister and three wings, require urgent maintenance.

The Convent of the Récollets in Nivelles (Belgium). Source: Europa Nostra

The Couvent des Récollets is threatened by a major real estate project, developed in 2019 by the owner and supported by local communities. The implementation of such a project would reduce the historic buildings and the surrounding green space with centuries-old trees to a private area with new apartments.

the Garden City La Butte Rouge (near Paris, France) stands out as a model of garden cities in Europe. It is a living testimony to 20th century social housing, and its architecture is strongly influenced by the Modern and Art Deco movements and the Bauhaus school. The Butte Rouge has remained intact to this day. It consists of 4,000 apartments and a green area extending over 70 hectares and is home to thousands of people.

The Garden City La Butte Rouge. Source: Europa Nostra

For three years, the City of Châtenay-Malabry has clearly shown its intention to demolish La Butte Rouge, stressing that it does not meet the new construction requirements. About 85% of the buildings in the complex are at risk of being lost. The destruction of 14 historic buildings is already planned and residents have been forced from their homes. Local protests were organised, including petitions to save the site.

Stolberg is a medieval town in North Rhine-Westphalia in the western part of Germany. In the wake of the flourishing copper industry, other industries quickly followed, making Stolberg a very important place for European industrial heritage. The appearance of the historic center is mainly determined by the local limestone.

The historic center of Stolberg after the floods. Source: Europa Nostra

In mid-July 2021, the historic center of Stolberg was unexpectedly transformed into a flood zone. Some 266 listed buildings were badly damaged by the turbulent waters of the River Vicht, following extreme weather conditions. In the plans for the reconstruction of the center of Stolberg, the focus should be on the resilience of the city and how to better withstand the new threats induced by climate change.

the Neptune Baths are part of the spa town of Băile Herculane (Romania), one of the oldest spas in Europe, dating back to 153 AD. The current structure of Bains Neptune was built between 1883 and 1886. Designed in an eclectic style, Bains Neptune has a total area of ​​nearly 4000 m². Its medical treatment center had renowned doctors as well as visits from notable guests, such as the Habsburg royal family.

The Baths of Neptune in Băile Herculane (Romania). Source: Europa Nostra

After the fall of communism in Romania in 1989, the historic resort town of Băile Herculane was abandoned and fell into disrepair, with damage accelerating from 2004. Although it was declared a Class A monument in 1980, the building has suffered continuous decay. Due to a lack of funding and legal issues, two load-bearing walls and a roof collapsed in 2019.

the Orleans-Borbon Palace (near Cádiz, Spain) was built in the mid-19th century in a neo-Moorish style, combined with neo-Arabic architectural elements and a variety of stylistic influences from around the world. At the rear of the palace there are extensive gardens with characteristics of romantic gardens enriched by Islamic influences.

The Orléans-Borbón Palace (near Cadiz, Spain). Source: Europa Nostra

In 1979, the Municipality of Sanlucar de Barrameda began the process of acquiring the property, with the aim of avoiding its destruction and opening it to the public. In 1982, the Palace of Orléans-Borbón was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest. Since renovations in the 1990s, the owner has been unable to provide adequate maintenance, which has left the building in dire need of restoration. The outer walls of the building are in imminent danger of collapsing.

Strategically located at the point where the Dieze river flows into the Meuse, the Crèvecoeur Fortress (Den Bosch, Netherlands) was built in 1587 and played an important role in Dutch military and diplomatic history for over 300 years.

the Fortress of Crèvecoeur Den Bosch (Netherlands). Source: Europa Nostra

The fortress belongs to the Dutch Ministry of Defence. Classified as a national monument since 1973, the now badly neglected fortress and grounds require urgent restoration before the structures crumble beyond repair.

What is the next step for these sites?

Teams of experts representing Europa Nostra and the European Investment Bank Institute, together with the organizations that nominated the sites and other partners, will assess each case by gathering information and meeting with key stakeholders. These multidisciplinary teams will provide expert advice, identify possible sources of funding and help mobilize broad support to save these heritage monuments. At the end of the evaluation process, they will formulate and communicate a set of recommendations for future action.

The 7 Most Endangered program is managed by Europa Nostra in partnership with the European Investment Bank Institute. It also benefits from the support of the Creative Europe program of the European Union. Launched in 2013, this program is part of a civil society campaign to save Europe’s endangered heritage.

It grants a subsidy of 10,000 euros per classified site to help set up an approved activity which will help to save it. In most cases, the listing of an endangered site serves as a catalyst and incentive to mobilize the necessary public or private support, including funding.