A Milestone Celebration of European Heritage Days in Bač
A Milestone Celebration of European Heritage Days in Bač
Participating in European Heritage Days for over a decade, the small town of Bač in Serbia is a central cultural spot in the region every autumn. With its magnificent 14th century fortress, numerous cultural landmarks, and an active heritage community, the town attracts hundreds of heritage enthusiasts and culture explorers each year.
In 2018, Bač will mark an important milestone as one of the EU Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards winner. Namely, on June 22, its architectural and historic gem, Bač Fortress, has been recognised together with six other European heritage sites as a Grand Prix laureate.
Built in the 14th century, the fortress stands as a testimony to the town's historic significance and the long traditions typical to Vojvodina, the northern province of Serbia. Opening its doors every year within the European Heritage Days programme, the fortress offers an insight into the past.
Discover the History of Bač
Located between the rivers Danube and Tisza in the South Bačka district of the Province of Vojvodina, Bač has been a geographically significant location throughout its history. It used to be a settlement back in the Roman age, while its current name dates since the 11th century.
With such a long history, Bač is a symbolic treasure-house of Vojvodinian customs and traditions. Its most notable landmark is the fortress, a unique mediaeval fort witnessing the centuries of changing history of the region.
Reconstructed multiple times, but preserving many of its original elements, Bač Fortress is one of the best preserved mediaeval forts in Vojvodina. Together with 36 houses built around it in 18th and 19th century, the fortress is a protected monument and a popular tourist attraction in Serbia.
This year’s recognition as a EU Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards laureate puts its magnificence on the heritage map of Europe. Commenting on the value of the site and the conservation project awarded on this occasion, the Award jury noted:
“This project is an exceptional example of heritage preservation based on interdisciplinary collaboration. To achieve this, the project leaders have made use of European resources to research and carry out necessary preliminary investigations, which in turn has led to the implementation of a correct management strategy. A sustained effort has been made to maintain the aspect of the ruin through careful conservation. In addition there is a strong educational component relevant to the entire region.”
Days of Bač
In previous years, the city of Bač has been actively engaging local community in a variety of cultural activities celebrating its history and customs. Last year, the Days of Bač festival that is celebrated during European Heritage Days presented a rich cultural programme. The visitors could participate in a round table discussion dedicated to Sustainable Rural Development through Local Collaboration, visit an old crafts fair, participate in the “Exit” art colony, and learn more about the history of the Bač Fortress.
In 2016, the programme was opened by the Serbian representative of the Ministry’s Cultural Committee, Maja Gojkovic, who emphasised the significance of European Heritage Days and the city’s participation in the festival.
Continuing its European Heritage Days tradition in this symbolic year, Bač will once again engage local community and enthusiastic visitors in an exciting cultural programme. Both those who are coming back to this great festival every year and those exploring the town for the first time, will have an opportunity to experience its rich heritage in a memorable way.
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