Night of Fortresses Goes Green - culture and ecology in one place

The "Night of Fortresses Goes Green" event connects cultural heritage with environmental responsibility, using the event as a platform to raise awareness of green and sustainable development.

The goal is to educate visitors about sustainable tourism and practices that contribute to conservation environment and the protection of cultural heritage, encouraging them to actively participate in the preservation of natural and cultural wealth.

This event not only celebrates the rich cultural heritage, but also contributes to the protection of our planet - step by step, event by event, according to the project website. Night of fortresses.

All cultural heritage managers, cultural institutions and designated sites in Europe can join the Night of Fortresses Goes Green celebration, with the note that the programs submitted should include green component. 

Organizers are invited to design content such as open days, guided tours, lectures, workshops, exhibitions, concerts, dance performances and other activities that promote sustainable practices, environmental responsibility and the preservation of cultural heritage.

The goal is to connect cultural heritage with environmental care, raise visitor awareness about sustainable tourism and encourage joint efforts to protect our planet.

After the successful edition in 2025, when the event brought together 195 events in 10 countries, Night of Fortresses Goes Green continues to develop the concept that connects cultural heritage, sustainable management and social responsibility in 2026.

The fifth edition of the event will be held 8. and 9. May 2026. Fortresses, castles, museums and other historic sites across Europe will open their doors to visitors through cultural, educational and participatory programs that connect cultural heritage with sustainable practices and environmental responsibility.

Due to great interest, this year the event will be held over two days, with organizers being able to participate on one or both days, according to their own capabilities and program concept.

The aim is to raise awareness of sustainable tourism and ecological practices, encourage responsible use of resources and active participation in environmental protection, and promote cultural heritage as a key element of sustainable development, while involving the local community and promoting inclusivity.

The cultural sector plays an important role in encouraging it positive changes in society. Through sustainable planning and implementation of events, cultural sites become spaces for education, collaboration, and a responsible relationship towards the environment and community.  

It is also worth mentioning GIFTSnet, which will contribute to improving the sustainable and inclusive development of cultural tourism in the program area by implementing environmentally friendly and sustainable investments in seven cultural tourist locations in Šibenik, Karlovac, Banja Luka, Trebinje, Bar and Ulcinj, developing socially inclusive tourism offers at the locations and building the capacity of cross-border stakeholders for the sustainable development of cultural tourism in the program area.

/ / / European Parliament adopts proposals for the first EU Sustainable Tourism Strategy