≡April 18 is Monuments and Sites Day
April 18 is Monuments and Sites Day. The date was established in 1982 by ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites) and approved by UNESCO the following year. Its aim is to raise awareness of the importance of preserving material cultural heritage and to encourage the care of historical monuments, archaeological sites, ancient centres and cultural landscapes around the world.
Monuments and sites are testimonies to the history of humanity. They preserve the memories, identities and collective values of peoples and civilisations. Protecting these structures ensures that future generations can understand and value their own history.
Each year, ICOMOS proposes a specific theme, such as sustainability, climate change, post-conflict reconstruction, among others, to guide events, lectures, guided tours and educational activities in several countries.
In Brazil, the date also reinforces the importance of heritage listed by IPHAN (National Institute of Historical and Artistic Heritage), such as Pelourinho, Ouro Preto, Brasília and the historic center of Olinda. The International Day of Monuments and Sites is an opportunity to reflect on how our cities preserve or fail to preserve their roots.
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