International Day for Monuments and Sites for the year 2024 is celebrated/observed on Tuesday, April 18th. There are until the next observance.

Every year on April 18, the globe celebrates International Monuments and Sites Day. The purpose is to create awareness of the richness of cultural assets, the fragility of sites and monuments, and the steps required to protect and conserve them. Every year, the International Council of Monuments and Sites (I.C.O.M.O.S.) selects a topic for commemorative efforts organized by its members, national and international committees, and anyone else interested in marking this day. The organization urges participants to focus on disputed and complicated narratives about cultural heritage in order to foster the creation of new discourses that are respectful and inclusive. Addressing erroneous or disputed historical interpretations appears to be crucial to maintaining our history, given that, as stated in the UNESCO 1954 and 1972 treaties, the degradation or extinction of any cultural property causes harm to humanity as a whole.

📆 When is International Day for Monuments and Sites?

This year, International Day for Monuments and Sites is on April 18th. It is the 3rd Tuesday in April; in 2024, it is on Thursday.

Countdown to International Day for Monuments and Sites

Did you know: There are 845 cultural sites, 209 natural sites, and 38 mixed sites among them.

You can also see all fun things you didn’t know about and facts about April 18, 2023.

📜 History of International Day for Monuments and Sites

According to the 1972 Globe Heritage Convention, “The deterioration or extinction of any item of cultural or natural heritage represents a damaging impoverishment of the legacy of all nations of the world.” However, discrepancies persist in the recognition, interpretation, and, ultimately, conservation of distinct cultural forms.

In contrast, the inaugural International Day for Monuments and Sites was held in 2001, with the theme “Save Our Historic Villages.” The day is supported by organizations such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). On this day, people all across the world participate in a number of events. This includes a range of events, seminars, and visits to historical sites and monuments. A heritage site, for the uninformed, is simply a culturally significant area. It protects things that have been passed down from one generation to the next in a community or organization.

☑️ International Day for Monuments and Sites facts

Largest World Heritage Sites
Kiribati’s Phoenix Islands Protected Area is the biggest world heritage site, encompassing 408,250 km2.

Smallest World Heritage Sites
At 200 m2, the Holy Trinity Column in Olomouc, Czech Republic, is the smallest World Heritage Site.

Restricted to women
Both Okinoshima Island in Japan and Mouth Athos in Greece are off-limits to women; both are male-only monastic institutions.

Things to do on International Day for Monuments and Sites

Go to a workshop or conference
Attend a workshop or conference on the protection of monuments and historic sites in your area. By getting in, you will gain first-hand knowledge!

Look for an open house at a historical landmark
National Historic Landmarks are free to visit on International Monuments and Sites Day. You’re already celebrating Open House Day by taking part in special events and parties!

Field trips to monuments and heritage sites
Taking children out of the classroom to visit a historical site or museum is one of the most effective ways to get them interested in history. Schools can travel around the country to increase young people’s understanding of our country’s history.

📅 International Day for Monuments and Sites Observances

YEAR DATE DAY
2023 April 18 Tuesday
2024 April 18 Thursday
2025 April 18 Friday
2026 April 18 Saturday
2027 April 18 Sunday

You can view all April holidays, including Cultural and other Awareness holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and interesting facts about International Day for Monuments and Sites. So be sure to check back soon.