European Heritage Days in Rhodes
In 2010 RICHeS organised the first Open Doors Days in Rhodes, under the name 'Ανοικτές Πόρτες' (Anoiktes Portes). This is the Rhodian version of the European Heritage Days, which are held simultaneously in more than 50 European countries under the auspices of the Council of Europe and under the motto: 'Europe, a common heritage'. Rhodes is the only town in Greece where the original concept of the European Heritage Days – the opening of historic buildings that normally are not accessible for the public – is followed. Access to all buildings is free and volunteers provide information about their history and architecture.
Anoiktes Portes is every year in the last weekend of September. On September 29th and 30th of 2012 it was held for the third consecutive time. The event has proved to be an increasing success. In 2010 only two buildings were opened, receiving a total of 1700 visits. In 2011 7 buildings were opened, with a total amount of 5600 visits, a record, not only for Rhodes, but for Greece in general. Last year was even more succesful: with almost 15.000 visits, Anoiktes Portes has become the single most popular cultural and heritage event in Rhodes.
We think it safe to claim that Anoiktes Portes has become a new tradition in Rhodes. The large number of participants shows that heritage in Rhodes is alive. The relative low average age of the visitors every time is striking as well. There are many children and adolescents, in school classes, but also with their families, who come to visit. This proves again that enjoying heritage is fun and appealling to all ages. The overwhelming majority of visitors (more than 70%) is Greek.
Anoiktes Portes is every year in the last weekend of September. On September 29th and 30th of 2012 it was held for the third consecutive time. The event has proved to be an increasing success. In 2010 only two buildings were opened, receiving a total of 1700 visits. In 2011 7 buildings were opened, with a total amount of 5600 visits, a record, not only for Rhodes, but for Greece in general. Last year was even more succesful: with almost 15.000 visits, Anoiktes Portes has become the single most popular cultural and heritage event in Rhodes.
We think it safe to claim that Anoiktes Portes has become a new tradition in Rhodes. The large number of participants shows that heritage in Rhodes is alive. The relative low average age of the visitors every time is striking as well. There are many children and adolescents, in school classes, but also with their families, who come to visit. This proves again that enjoying heritage is fun and appealling to all ages. The overwhelming majority of visitors (more than 70%) is Greek.
