Cyprus is in the spotlight ahead of the awards ceremony in Nicosia in May, as it has a number of cultural heritage projects which were recognised in the European Heritage Awards/Europa Nostra Awards 2026.

The two winning projects are “The Cypriot Fiddler” and “Sector 2: Nicosia – The Green Line Programme”.

They are one of the highest awards for cultural heritage in Europe.

There were 261 nominations submitted from 40 European countries, 30 of which were chosen as the winners, from 18 countries. 

The “Cypriot Violinist” is not a solo act but a research and documentation project under the leadership of Dr Nicoletta Demetriou, ethnomusicologist. 

It documents the biographies of the traditional Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot musicians. The project comprises documentation, a book, and a free-access website.

It seeks to document the oral history, the local language and the traditions of music shared by a community, as part of a common cultural heritage.

The jury took great praise for its preservation of intangible heritage and the equal visibility it provides for both communities through personal stories and music.

The second winner was the Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia and the Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre (NiMAC) for the implementation of the project, Sector 2: Nicosia – The Green Line Programme.

The project is investigating the history of the divided Green Line of the capital by research, exhibitions and public engagement.

It features examples of personal testimonies from various communities and offers multiple perspectives on the division of the city.

The project will serve as a catalyst for reflection, discussion and an understanding of the complex urban and political history of Nicosia, the organisers said.

The jury voiced its appreciation of its inclusive nature, as well as its role in civic engagement and the use of cultural heritage as an instrument of reconciliation and awareness.

Both Cypriot projects are now competing in the 2026 Public Choice Award that will be presented with a prize of €10,000. Until 12 May, public voting can be done through the online poll.

The awards ceremony will be held at the Nicosia municipal theatre on May 28, in the presence of the European Commissioner Glenn Micallef and President Nikos Christodules.

It is part of the European Heritage Summit 2026, under the theme “Cultural heritage as the soul of Mare Nostrum”, in Nicosia.