European Heritage Days 2025

European Heritage Days (EHD) 2025 is taking place from Friday, 3 October to Sunday, 12 October, celebrating this year’s theme: Built Limestone and Beyond: 7,000 Years of Architectural History.

The 2025 theme celebrates the diverse range of buildings and structures that shape our surroundings—spanning various styles, functions, and historical periods. Architecture provides a compelling lens through which to explore our shared identity and past.

In Malta, this heritage is powerfully expressed through the seamless blend of Mediterranean, Arabic, and European influences visible in everything from urban layouts to intricate balcony designs. The term architecture, derived from ancient Greek, reflects the creative and technical mastery involved in shaping the built environment, qualities that are clearly evident in Malta’s unique architectural landscape.

We are reminded that architectural value lies not only in monumental landmarks, but also in the streets, homes, and other spaces that form the fabric of daily life.

This year’s EHD will also coincide with Malta’s Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. As a joint initiative of the Council of Europe and the European Union, EHD remains the most celebrated participatory cultural event across Europe. A special address by the Minister for Culture will be delivered to launch this year’s programme.

“Architectural Heritage” invites communities to explore and celebrate the diverse architectural styles, periods, and materials that have shaped Europe’s built environment. It encourages a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and intangible cultural heritage involved in creating these structures, recognizing the importance of preserving both the physical buildings and the skills used to construct them. By focusing on architectural heritage, the 2025 European Heritage Days aim to foster a greater understanding of how our built environment reflects and influences our shared history, while also inspiring efforts to protect and conserve this heritage for future generations.