1982What is the International Day for Monuments and Sites?
The International Day for Monuments and Sites, first proposed by ICOMOS in Hammamet, Tunisia, and officially adopted by UNESCO in Paris, marks an annual celebration of global cultural heritage every 18 April. Highlighting the importance of preserving historical sites and appreciating the diverse stories they tell, the day encourages reflection on our shared past and the need to protect monuments for future generations. In 2021, Canada joined the observance with a weeklong national conversation exploring heritage, diversity, and inclusion, echoing the day's theme of “Complex Pasts: Diverse Futures.” Among the monuments honored are the Grand Canyon, Old Town Lunenburg, Antoni Gaudí’s masterpieces in Barcelona, and the ancient ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum—four of the 1,121 treasures on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
