A Georgian heritage restoration initiative has received the highest recognition in the European cultural heritage sector. The rehabilitation of the Tsiskarauli Tower—damaged by a Russian shell in Khevsureti—was named one of the winners of the Europa Nostra Awards, made possible with funding from Western partners and realized through the joint efforts of Georgian and European professionals and young volunteers.
The Europa Nostra Award will be presented to the project’s lead organization, the National Trust of Georgia, in the category ‘Citizens’ Engagement and Awareness Raising’, alongside winning initiatives from six other European countries—Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, Finland, France, Croatia, and Georgia.
According to the Europa Nostra jury, the project is “a model of a comprehensive approach to heritage protection, combining restoration, community engagement, international cooperation, and the sharing of knowledge. The project contributed to strengthening international cultural relations, promoting peace and trust, and building unity through heritage.”
At the awards ceremony held on October 7 in Bucharest, a further achievement was announced: the Tsiskarauli Tower project was not only selected as a winner in its category, but was also awarded the Grand Prix. With this title came a monetary prize of €10,000, which will be directed toward the preservation of another heritage site in Georgia.
Thanks to international support, a total of 420,000 GEL was invested in the restoration of the Tsiskarauli Tower. Approximately 90,000 GEL was allocated to the local community involved in the project.
The project "Community-led Rehabilitation of the Tsiskarauli Tower" was implemented in Georgia between 2021 and 2023 by the National Trust of Georgia in close cooperation with the International National Trusts Organisation (United Kingdom), REMPART (France), and the Association of the Ducal Tower in Siedlecin (Poland). It was funded by the ALIPH Foundation.
"This project is a vivid example of the vital importance of international support and European partnerships in safeguarding our cultural heritage. The involvement of British, French, and Polish colleagues, alongside Georgian specialists and young volunteers, was instrumental in saving this medieval defensive tower—a part of our history and an important monument of European cultural heritage. Beyond restoration, the project raised awareness of the Arkhoti community in both Georgia and Europe, created strong foundations for heritage tourism in the region, and fostered friendships between Georgian and European youth and volunteers," said Marine Mizandari, co-founder of the National Trust of Georgia.
Europa Nostra is the largest and most representative organization dedicated to cultural heritage in Europe. Founded in Paris in 1963, it brings together over 40 countries and works closely with the European Union, the Council of Europe, UNESCO, and other international bodies.
