Celje archaeological pavilion wins European Heritage Award
Celje, 21 May - A pavilion showcasing archaeological finds in Celje is among the winners of this year's European Heritage Awards, conferred by the European Commission and Europa Nostra, an organisation protecting and promoting Europe's cultural and natural heritage.
The pavilion in Celje's main square is among the eleven winners in the conservation category, which promotes outstanding achievements in the conservation, enhancement and adaptation to new uses of cultural heritage.
The jury for the awards, whose winners were announced on Tuesday, said that the "elegantly designed building has enriched the cultural heritage of the town centre and successfully informs both the local community and tourists about the city's past."
The glass pavilion houses parts of a medieval cellar and parts of a late Roman building, revealed during preliminary archaeological excavations preceding an update to the utility lines and renovation works in the city in 2013-2014.
The jury added that it was a "good example of the preserving and sharing of archaeological remains in situ in an urban context: a challenge frequently encountered throughout Europe.
"The design of the pavilion - a smart, unobtrusive structure - is harmoniously integrated into the existing streetfront and maintains its continuity."
The independent juries featuring experts in cultural heritage from all over Europe have gone through a total of 149 entries filed by organisations and individuals from 34 European countries.
The 2019 European Heritage Awards went to 25 projects from 16 countries in four categories - conservation, research, dedicated service by individuals or organisations, and education, training and awareness-raising.
The winners will receive the awards at a ceremony in Paris on 29 October on the occasion of the European Heritage Congress.
Seven recipients of a grand prix, coming with a EUR 10,000 cheque, will also be announced at the ceremony, as well as the recipient of the audience award selected among this year's awards-winning projects.