University of Salzburg celebrates cultural monument conservation success

The historic Arakelots Monastery and the surrounding medieval settlement in the Tavush region of Armenia have been successfully included in the international ‘Europa Nostra 7 Most Endangered’ programme. University of Salzburg's renowned Armenologist Dr. Jasmine Dum-Tragut sees this nomination as a great opportunity to save the monastery and the settlement from imminent collapse, as well as to contribute to the stabilisation of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border region.

Hidden in the forests of the Tavush region in northern Armenia, the monastery and the settlement of Arakelots are jewels of the medieval Armenian cultural heritage, says University lecturer Dr. Jasmine Dum-Tragut, who is also the Director of the Centre for the Study of the Christian East. 

Its remote location and proximity to the Armenian-Azerbaijani border underline its historical and geopolitical significance”, explained Dr. Dum-Tragut

Arakelots has now officially been named one of the seven most endangered European cultural monuments in 2025. The Armenologist, who is committed to supporting Armenian culture and research, is convinced that the restoration now made possible by the grant could act as a catalyst for reconciliation, regional stability and sustainable development and offer a way to transform the heritage into a resource for peace and progress.

Europa Nostra 7 Most Endangered programme

The Europa Nostra 7 Most Endangered programme is a non-governmental initiative dedicated to the protection of Europe's endangered cultural heritage. It aims to preserve endangered sites through raising awareness, independent assessments and recommendations for action.

Since its launch in 2013, the programme has identified 63 endangered monuments and heritage sites from 31 countries across Europe. Each selected monument receives an EIB Heritage Grant of €10,000 to implement the agreed conservation measures.

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