2024 Edition

Created in 2009, the Jean-Paul-L’Allier Prize for Heritage is named in honour of Mr. Jean-Paul-L’Allier, former Mayor of Québec City and founder of the Organization of World Heritage Cities (OWHC). The Prize aims at highlighting projects, programs, or policies implemented within member cities for the conservation, enhancement or good management of their historic living urban ensemble.

The Jean-Paul-L’Allier Prize for Heritage Winner

At the 17th OWHC World Congress, held in Cordoba from September 24 to 27, 2024, the Walled City of Baku, known as Icherisheher, was awarded the prestigious The Jean-Paul-L’Allier Prize for Heritage.

The award-winning project, aimed at improving the quality of life in the Walled City of Baku, was distinguished by the enhancing of the Khans Park and the restoration of the Khans Palace Complex. In addition to the construction of the city’s largest landscaped park, historic buildings such as the 18th-century palace and underground baths have been restored to provide comfortable public spaces and cultural gathering places.

The project combines modernity and respect for heritage, enhancing the unique character of the old city while improving the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. The active involvement of residents, local businesses and public authorities at every stage of the initiative has strengthened citizens’ sense of belonging and enthusiasm for cultural heritage, making the Walled City a more sustainable, greener and more inclusive place to live.

Khans Park, the centerpiece of the City’s revitalization, has become an iconic place where residents and visitors can meet, take part in cultural activities and immerse themselves in Baku’s history. Digital technologies, such as the virtual reality systems installed in the Khans’ Palace Museum, offer an immersive experience into the city’s fascinating past, enriching the visit and enhancing its tourist appeal.

Congratulations to the Walled City of Baku on this remarkable achievement!

Candidacies 2024

Angra do Heroismo – Rehabilitation of the church do Nossa Senhora da Conceição – Concepcionistas
Executive summary of the project

Colonia del Sacramento – Refunctionalization of the Real de San Carlos Bullring (original document available in spanish on the website)
Executive summary of the project (courtesy translation)

Icherisheher – Increasing Livability in the Walled City of Baku (Icherisheher):
The Baku Khans’ Park and the Baku Khans’ Palace Complex
Executive summary of the project

Jongno-Gu – “The Palace Door” Opens in Jongno
Executive summary of the project

Kotor – Reconstruction project of the immovable cultural asset SLAVIC READING ROOM
Executive summary of the project

Krakow – Poland’s leadership in cultural park implementation
Executive summary of the project

Mexico – Rehabilitation of the building located at Antiguo Callejón de Puentecito, República de Ecuador, number 10 (original document available in spanish on the website)
Executive summary of the project (courtesy translation)

Morelia – Morelia’s Cultural Sites Advisory Council (original document available in spanish on the website)
Executive summary of the project (courtesy translation)

Puebla – Integral Intervention of the “Corridor of 16 de Septiembre Street” (original document available in spanish on the website)
Executive summary of the project (courtesy translation)

Quebec City – Place of the Hôtel-de-Ville (original document available in french on the website)
Executive summary of the project (courtesy translation)

Queretaro – Conservation and Restoration of the Interior Mural Painting of the Temple of San José de Gracia (ZMHQ) (original document available in spanish on the website)
Executive summary of the project (courtesy translation)

Visby – The Journey towards a Sustainable Hanseatic town – Place development trough Visitor Management
Executive summary of the project

Past Winners

2021 – George Town (Malaysia)
Creating public spaces through the revitalisation of backlanes in the world heritage city of George Town

Melaka (Malaysia)
Improvement and Conservation of Historical Urban Environment in the Historic City of Melaka

2019 – St. Petersburg (Russian Federation)
Redevelopment of industrial cultural heritage sites and their grounds for public projects

2017 – Quito (Ecuador)
Investment programs and projects for the rehabilitation of public space on private heritage property in the Historic Center

2015 – Cordoba (Spain)
The urban project and the cultural landscape: heritage, culture, trade and tourism – renovation of Cruz Conde street

2013 – Cuenca (Ecuador)
Integral rehabilitation project of the Tres de Noviembre Walkway, the de la Madre Park, the stairway, and the footbridge facing the University of Cuenca

2011 – Tunis (Tunisia)
Restoration and beautification project of a street circuit entitled “From Zitouna to Sidi Ibrahim”

2009 – Warsaw (Poland)
Lighting of the walls of the Historic Centre