April 18: International Day for Monuments and Sites

For awaking public interest in heritage conservation an annual event, today is celebrated, all over the world, the International Day for Monuments and Sites.

With this celebration, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) seeks to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity. This is embodied in an international treaty called the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage adopted by UNESCO in 1972.

While many countries and regions have established heritage days, such as the European Heritage Days celebrated each year in September, the International Day for Monuments and Sites presents an opportunity for all ICOMOS National Committees to advocate their shared cause together on the same day.

To commemorate this day, cities of the whole world organize free visits and local activities.

Information about the local events in your country