Celebrating Thermal Heritage
As a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe, the European Route of Historic Thermal Towns celebrates “thermal” or spa town culture and heritage every year through a series of events
EUROPEAN THERMAL HERITAGE DAY
Background
The European Thermal Heritage Day is an annual event established by EHTTA’s Scientific Committee in 2018 as a celebration of European thermal heritage and an opportunity to raise awareness of the subject that is at the heart of the Association and its objectives. It is regarded as an example of best practice by the European Institute of Cultural Routes, and won an award in 2019 for the concept.
EHTTA believes that thermal heritage represents a very particular European phenomenon, which includes natural, cultural, and intangible resources. The concept of thermal heritage is used to promote health and wellbeing, to create original tourism destinations, and to protect magnificent cultural landscapes. European Thermal Heritage Day highlights the importance of thermal heritage as a centuries-old Europe-wide tradition, and to gain recognition and awareness of issues that affect the future of this valuable heritage.
In a series of three events, the European Thermal Heritage Day is looking at the development of the “Therapeutic (Spa) Landscape” in the years 2021-2023. After last year’s theme “Thermal Urbanism” the subject 2022 is “Parks and Gardens”, represented and hosted by the EHTTA member town Lądek-Zdrój in Poland.
CAFè OF EUROPE
On 9 May, the European Union celebrates its achievements of unity and long-term peace, commemorating the signing of the Schuman Declaration in 1950.
“Sources of Culture: the Cafés of Europe” part funded by the European Union’s Culture Fund.
WORLD WATER DAY
Each year we use the global World Water Day held on 22nd March to celebrate the water sources at the heart of each of our towns encouraging members to tailor special programs.
