The project of conservation and rehabilitation of the Fortress of Bac was named a laureate of the 2018 EU Prize for Cultural Heritage and Europa Nostra Award.

The construction of Bac Fortress began in the 14th century with additions made in the 15th and 16th century and is a listed national monument. The project Centuries of Bac was initiated in 2006 with a view to researching and increasing the knowledge of the area of Bac; implementing key conservation principles in its preservation; finding a sustainable use for the site; and raising awareness of its value among the wider community. The project received financial support from regional, national and international sources including EU funding and is named a winner of the Award in the category of conservation.

The conservation and rehabilitation of the Fortress of Bac was the central element of the project implemented by the Provincial Institute for Protection of Cultural Monuments Petrovaradin, with support from the Fund for Preservation of Cultural Heritage Centuries of Bac, the Faculty of Technical Sciences of Novi Sad and the Museum of Vojvodina.

The jury said that the project enabled the integration of the Fortress into the life of local community, making Bac a centre of professional knowledge of heritage conservation. The remains of the Fortress have been preserved, while the interior of the structure was complemented with a visitors’ centre. Hardscaping, lighting and video surveillance installations have been funded through EU’s Serbia-Hungary CBC Programme.