Two cultural heritage projects from Cyprus, The Cypriot Violinist and Sector 2: Nicosia, are among the winners of the European Heritage Awards – Europa Nostra Awards 2026, the European Commission and Europa Nostra announced on Tuesday.
The winners will be honoured at the European Heritage Awards Ceremony 2026, which will take place on 28 May at the Nicosia Municipal Theatre.
According to the announcement, The Cypriot Violinist research programme documents the life stories of traditional Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot musicians. Based on long term field research, the project produced a documentary film, a book and an open access website, preserving oral storytelling, local dialects and a shared musical heritage.
The project Sector 2: Nicosia – The Green Line Project was carried out by the Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia and explores the history of the city’s Green Line through research, an exhibition and public programmes. By engaging all communities and presenting personal testimonies, the project encourages reflection and dialogue on the divided city.
Members of the public are invited to learn about the winning projects and vote online for the Public Choice Award 2026, which carries a prize of 10,000 euros. Voting is open until 12 May.
The winners were selected by the Awards Jury, composed of ten cultural heritage experts from across Europe, following an assessment by five selection committees. A total of 261 eligible applications were submitted this year by organisations and individuals from 40 European countries. Overall, 30 exemplary projects and pioneering organisations or individuals from 18 countries are being recognised.
European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport Glenn Micallef congratulated all winners, saying the projects demonstrate that cultural heritage is not only about the past but remains a living force for progress and cohesion in Europe’s future.
Europa Nostra President and world renowned mezzo soprano Cecilia Bartoli said this year’s laureates show how cultural heritage can inspire younger generations, strengthen social life and support local economies, at a time when shared values are more important than ever.
The awards ceremony on 28 May will be hosted by Commissioner Micallef and Europa Nostra Executive President Professor Hermann Parzinger. The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, will attend in his capacity as head of state of the country holding the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Cyprus’s Deputy Minister of Culture Vasiliki Kassianidou and other distinguished guests will also be present.
The ceremony will be a highlight of the European Cultural Heritage Summit 2026, which will take place in Nicosia from 26 to 30 May under the theme Cultural heritage as the soul of our shared sea. The summit is organised by Europa Nostra in cooperation with the Europa Nostra Heritage Hub in Nicosia, under the auspices of the Cypriot EU Presidency and with the support of the European Union.