Europa Nostra has now recognised the museum as a prime example of conservation of European cultural heritage.
Liubavas watermill is one of the few remaining buildings from the former Liubavas Manor, not far from the Lithuanian capital Vilnius. The EEA Grants provided a €410,000 grant to the project 'Restoration of Liubavas Manor Watermill and its Adaptation to Cultural and Public Needs' that made it possible to preserve the watermill and to make it accessible to the public by making it into a museum.
Authencity a major concern
The watermill was built in 1902 and is made from cleaved stone. Its architecture, its engineering and aesthetic value make it stand out. The building itself, the technological equipment and specific landscape characteristics have been restored to keep the authentic features of the watermill. Traditional techniques and building materials typical to the construction period of the watermill have been used. Thorough background research was carried out so that the building could be restored as authentically as possible.
Europa Nostra Awards
The European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards celebrate excellence in cultural heritage conservation.
The 28 winners of the award this year were selected from 226 projects in 31 countries. The award is split into four categories, namely conservation, research, dedicated service, and education, training and raising awareness.
European Commission press release on the announcement of the winners