Living Culture

People tend to overlook the high level of cultural enlightenment and civilization achieved by their ancestors. As custodians of our past, we will be judged by generations to come.

Imbued with a message from the past, the historic monuments of generations of people remain to the present day as living witnesses of their age-old traditions. People are becoming more and more conscious of the unity of human values and regard ancient monuments as a common heritage. The common responsibility to safeguard them for future generations is recognized. It is our duty to hand them on in the full richness of their authenticity.

It is essential that the principles guiding the preservation and restoration of ancient buildings should be agreed and be laid down on an international basis, with each country being responsible for applying the plan within the framework of its own culture and traditions.

By defining these basic principles for the first time, the Athens Charter of 1931 contributed towards the development of an extensive international movement which has assumed concrete form in national documents, in the work of ICOM and UNESCO and in the establishment by the latter of the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and the Restoration of Cultural Property. Increasing awareness and critical study have been brought to bear on problems which have continually become more complex and varied; now the time has come to examine the Charter afresh in order to make a thorough study of the principles involved and to enlarge its scope in a new document. Accordingly, the second International Congress of Architects and Technicians of Historic Monuments, met in Venice from May 25th to 31st 1964. Read the full text of the Venice Charter here.

The Hill of Tara
The Hill of Tara is the heart and soul of Irish heritage, and it's ceremonial and mythical ancient capital. Tara invokes the spirit and mystique of ancient Irish people. Read more.

World Heritage Alert!
This organization calls for action submitted by various heritage campaigns around the world. Visit the World Heritage Alert! website.

UNESCO
List of World Heritage Sites
List of World Heritage Sites in Danger

ICOMOS
International Council on Monuments and Sites

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"History is what makes us human: it is collective memory and the country that has lost its sense of history has ceased to be itself. "
Dr David Starkey