Good News from Sun, 14 June, 2009:

Europa Nostra Grand Prize for Kesälahti Bell Tower

europa nostra
The Bell Tower of Kesälahti Church has been awarded with the European Union ‘Europa Nostra’ -award in Sicily. Europe Nostra is dedicated to bringing cultural heritage in the mainstream public consciousness. Its specific objectives are to promote high standards of quality in the fields of heritage conservation, architecture and urban and rural planning. The award singles out exceptional achievements in the field of heritage conservation, research and education as well as dedication in the field of heritage conservation.

The jury appreciated the strict methodology and skilful craftsmanship undertaken in the conservation work on Kesälahti Church bell tower. The conservation work has helped to preserve the bell tower, which is a unique sample of European timber building tradition. The building which is located in eastern Finland was constructed in 1836. It can now stand as unique piece of European Wooden Heritage for future generations.     

The 138 applications and nominations for the Europa Nostra awards came from 24 different European countries. Among the 28 selected winners, seven Grand Prize winners were chosen as the most outstanding examples of heritage protection. Each of the seven Grand Prize winners received a monetary reward of 10 000 Euros. In addition to Finland other outstanding heritage conservation projects were chosen from Britain, Spain, Greece, Hungary and Italy. A special distinction was given to 21 projects, among which were the murals of the chapel of Grotenfelt family grave, located in the eastern Finnish town of Joroinen.      

The awards scheme, established in 2002, is organized jointly by the European Commission and the Europa Nostra, the pan-European Federation for Cultural Heritage that represents over 250 NGOs and 160 other organizations dedicated to the conservation of cultural heritage in 45 countries across Europe.

www.europanostra.org

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