April 3, 2006—The European Commission and Europa Nostra recently awarded the annual European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage/Europa Nostra Award in the area of Conservation of Architectural Heritage to the 16th century Omeriye Ottoman Baths, in Nicosia, Cyprus.
The Baths are located in one of the most neglected areas of the walled city.
Their restoration and modernization enabled them to retain their traditional use, and has greatly contributed to upgrading the building environment and to preserving and promoting the multicultural character of the city.
Four other top prizes, with a monetary award of 10,000 each, were awarded for projects ranging from urban and rural landscape rehabilitation, to outstanding research and dedicated service to heritage conservation. Nine Medals and seventeen Diplomas were also awarded.
The awards recognize best practices in heritage conservation on a European level. Prizes will be presented to the laureates in June in Madrid. For more details visit online.
