University of Tartu’s historic architectural ensemble nominated for European Heritage Label
The European Commission has announced that the University of Tartu’s historic architectural ensemble has been selected as a candidate for the European Heritage Label.
The Commission’s final decision on the objects that will receive the label will be announced in February 2016 and the award ceremony will take place in Brussels in April next year.
The European Heritage Label, which is awarded since 2013, is a European Union initiative that aims to highlight locations which emphasise the unity and common values of Europe, which are important in European history and culture or bear the idea of European integration.
The jury said of the University of Tartu’s historic architectural ensemble that the preserved university building with the park and collections is a harmonic entirety, which carries the ideas and ideals of the university of the Age of Enlightenment and the traditions of European education.
“For centuries, the University of Tartu has carried the European identity substantially and physically,” said Rector of the University of Tarty Professor Volli Kalm. “The university as an institution has helped create the basis for an open, educated and democratic Europe, the university building with its parks is one of the most completely preserved university complexes from the Age of Enlightenment in Europe. In order to provide good public access, we have done extensive renovation works in the past years,” added Kalm.
A panel of independent experts assessed the applications for the European Heritage Label and of the 18 applications submitted by EU member states, they selected nine objects to recommend for the European Commission to approve.
The Great Guild Hall in Tallinn was awarded the European Heritage Label two years ago. So far, altogether twenty EU cultural heritage objects have been awarded the label.