European Heritage Days, Maresme

The Jornades Europees de Patrimoni (European Heritage Days)  are part of a Europe-wide initiative by the Council of Europe & the European Commission. In Catalonia, they’ve been held every year since 1991. The idea is to open up heritage sites (some which are not usually accessible), run guided tours, concerts, workshops, visits, exhibitions, and other cultural activities so people can connect with and learn about their shared heritage.

Several municipalities organize free tours and visits to lesser-known historical or architectural sites: ancient buildings, heritage sites not normally open to public, local monuments. Workshops and family activities are common.  Activities are varied per town: guided walks (e.g. to see Modernisme architecture or traditional/neighbourhood heritage), visits to museums or archaeological sites, themed routes (e.g. old trades), sometimes theatrical or musical performances.

The theme for 2025 in Catalonia is “Patrimoni arquitectònic” (“Architectural heritage”). It focuses on the diversity of buildings and built environment: large monuments but also everyday architecture, infrastructure, housing, etc.  The objective is to strengthen the relationship between people and heritage, make visible what is around us (not just the obvious), and encourage preservation and appreciation.