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UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Discover Living History at Germany's UNESCO World Heritage Sites
UNESCO defines heritage as
"...our legacy from the past, what we
live with today, and |
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A cultural landscape buttressed in neighboring cities is the most extensive of Germany's world heritage sites. Those of religious heritage include Romanesque churches, gothic cathedrals, abbeys and monasteries. An ancient fortified border, entire medieval towns, palaces, castles and civic institutions are windows on history and testimony to the creativity of mankind. A Garden Kingdom manifests harmony between man and nature in the same manner that the Elbe Valley so successfully combines nature and urban architecture. And, there are three islands. One populated by man's cultural achievements, another is a religious retreat while the third offered safety to the medieval inhabitants of Old Town Lübeck. You may discover the earliest traces of history, let yourself be won over by the clarity of Bauhaus architecture or stroll through the Middle Ages. One thing is certain, each of Germany's world heritage sites has something unique to offer and remembered for a lifetime. World Heritage Sites in the North Bremen Town Hall and Roland Statue - UNESCO World Heritage Site Since 2004
A Tip: Each December sees the city centre around the Rathaus and Roland statue transformed into a Christmas Market with over 170 brightly laid out stalls and booths. Splendid performances are the trademark of the Bremen Music Festival. With the Market Square changed into a vibrant piazza under a canopy of brilliant lights and culinary highlights, a grand nocturnal cycle opens with concerts at various venues in the historic city centre. Follow this link for further information on Bremen Photo: Bremen Tourism Eisenach Wartburg Castle a UNESCO World Heritage Site Since 1999
As the visitor enters the Romanesque main castle buildings, 900 years of history is revealed before them: the courtly art of the Middle Ages, the life and works of St. Elisabeth, Martin Luther's translation of the New Testament and the castle's importance as a symbol of German integration and unity. Today, Wartburg Castle draws visitors from far and wide with its art treasures, medieval tapestries, the "Durerschrank" (a cabinet with intricate relief carvings designed by Albert Durer), paintings by Lucas Cranach the elder, a unique collection of cutlery and European arts and crafts from the11th to the 19th century. The castle and the delightful countryside in which it is set are charming places to visit at any time of the year. A Tip: "Summer night" music events and plays at the royal theatre between May and October, provide the perfect opportunity to soak up the romantic atmosphere of the castle. On Advent Weekends, a traditional Christmas Market charms visitors in their thousands. Follow this link for further information on Wartburg-Eisenach Photo: © Wartburg-Stiftung Eisenach Goslar Mines of Rammelsberg & Historic Town of Goslar a UNESCO World Heritage Site Since 1992
Goslar Old Town, strongly influenced by mining, also belongs to the world heritage site. The imperial palace built under the Ottonians was extended by the Salian emperors to form their biggest palace complex. The mine and town reached the peak of their prosperity around 1200, then rose again to enjoy a second heyday around 1500. The latter period saw the building of important cultural monuments such as the town hall, its Hall of Homage, municipal churches, hospitals and stately merchants houses, which lent the Old Town the magnificent appearance it still enjoys to this day. A Tip: Adventure tour in the breathtaking underground world of the Rathstiefste Gallery of 1150: darkness, rich colors, traces of human work, including underground dinner. Advance reservations are required. Follow this link for further information on Goslar Photo: Reinhard Roseneck Hildesheim St. Mary's Cathedral and St. Michaels Church a UNESCO World Heritage Site Since 1985
The monumental bronze casts in the cathedral, the column of Christ and the Bernward door depict scenes from the New and Old Testament and from the life of Jesus. The doors, almost five metres tall and one metre wide, have been cast in a single piece - a marvel of foundry technology at the time. The jewel in the crown inside St. Michaels church is the painted wooden ceiling depicting Christ's family tree. This flat ceiling - the only one of its kind in Germany - give fascinating insight into Romanesque monumental painting A Tip: Guided tours on themes such as "in the footsteps of Bishop Bernward" give life to the architectural monuments. Organ concerts in the churches, with their incomparable acoustics, are a special experience. Follow this link for further information in Hildesheim Photo: © Stadt Hildesheim Limes The Roman Limes – frontiers of the Roman Empire
Along the 550 kilometre length of the Upper Germanic-Rhaetian Limes, which extends from the Koblenz area in Rhineland-Palatinate through Hessen and Baden-Württemberg into the Regensburg region in Bavaria, there are Roman remains preserved in their original condition as well as restored buildings, excavations and reconstructions. The course of the border wall can still be made out in places as it stretches in long, straight lines across forests and pastureland. Today, all the major places of interest on the Upper Germanic-Rhaetian Limes are linked by the German Limes Road, creating a varied and interesting touristic route. Follow this link for further information on Limes the ancient fortified border Photo: © Unesco-Welterbestätten Deutschland e.V. Lübeck Hanseatic City of Lübeck - UNESCO World Heritage Site Since 1987
The Holsten Gate, the former western gate in the city walls, is known throughout the world and is now the symbol of the city. The Buddenbrookhaus, home of the grandparents of writers Heinrich and Thomas Mann, is one of many stately merchant houses in the city. Lübeck was the first Old Town in the Federal Republic of Germany to be officially designated a cultural heritage site. The heritage status even extends to the ground beneath the Old Town, where archaeological excavations have unearthed almost three million finds. A Tip: Visit the newly opened Günter Grass House in Lübeck, an exciting forum for literature and fine art with the work of the Nobel prize winner for literature Günter Grass. Follow this link for further information on Lübeck Photo: Sven-Erik Arndt Stralsund and Wismar Historic Towns - UNESCO World Heritage Site Since 2002
Wismar is the most authentically preserved Hanseatic town on the southern Baltic. Stralsund is marked by its characteristic island location between the Strelasund and the 13th century lagoons. A cluster of six monumental redbrick churches affords a frame of reference concerning the renowned sacred architecture typical of the Hanseatic towns. A Tip: Each August, Wismar recalls its history under Swedish rule with the annual "Sweden Fest." The "Long Night of Open Monuments" is held on the first Saturday in September each year in Stralsund. Follow this link for further information on Stralsund Follow this link for further information on Wismar © TourismusZentrale Wismar World Heritage Sites in the East Berlin
Museumsinsel (Museums Island) UNESCO World
Heritage Site Since 1999 A Tip: Berlin is a great cultural metropolis where 1500 events are staged each and every day, where over 170 world class museums exhibit great achievements of mankind and theatre arts range from the classics to cabaret. From May to September the Museums Island Festival offers an outstanding program of film, concerts and theatre on stage in front of the Old National Gallery. Follow this link for further information on Berlin Photo: © Staatliche Museen zu Berlin Potsdam and Berlin Prussian Palaces and Parks a UNESCO World Heritage Site Since 1990
The Berlin and Potsdam world heritage site consists of Sanssouci Park, the New Garden, Babelsberg Park and Glienicke Park which, together with their respective palaces, form harmonious ensembles. Also included are the village of Klein-Glienicke, Glienicke Hunting Lodge, Peacock Island and Sacrow Palace and Park with the Church of the Redeemer, as well as other areas of Potsdam, for instance the Pfingstberg, Lindstedt Palace, the Russian colony of Alexandrowka and the Estate of Bornstedt. A Tip: Musikfestspiele Potsdam Sanssouci: a festival season in June with special concerts, theatre performances and lectures in palaces, parks and churches. Summer art exhibitions at the fine arts galley at Sanssouci Palace. Follow this link for further information on Potsdam Photo: © Potsdam Tourismus GmbH Dessau and Weimar Bauhaus sites in Dessau and Weimar UNESCO World Heritage Site Since 1996
In 1925, the Bauhaus School moved to Dessau. Only one year later, the Bauhaus Building, designed by Walter Gropius, was officially opened. To this day it is regarded as a pioneering example of modern architecture in the early 20th century. At the same time, the Master's Houses were built for the family of Gropius himself and those of the artists Moholy-Nagy, Feininger, Muches Schlemmer, Kandinsky and Klee. Both the Bauhaus building and the Master's Houses are open to the public. Follow this link for further information on Dessau A Tip: Kurt Weill festival in the
city of Dessau Photo: © Stadtarchiv Dessau Dessau-Worlitz Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Worlitz a UNESCO World Heritage Site Since 2000
The classical Luisium Palace with its English Garden, the rococo Mosigkau palace and park, the Großkuhnau country park and the Georgium, whose palace houses the Anhalt Art Gallery, surround the town of Dessau. They form a seamless whole with the baroque town, palace and park of Oranienbaum and the most important part of the Garden Kingdom, the Wörlitz Park. A Tip: From May to August there are lakeside concerts on Saturdays in Worlitz. Follow this link for further information on the Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Worlitz Photo: © Stadtarchiv Dessau Elbtal in Dresden Dresden Elbe Valley - UNESCO World Heritage Site Since 2004
Augustus the Strong pursued the idea of turning the Elbe into a "Canale Grande" at the heart of the city and the countryside. This tradition of baroque court culture has been maintained, elaborated upon and handed down through the generations in the area stretching from Pillnitz Palace in the east to Übigau Palace in the west. The Church of Our lady, Zwinger Palace and Semper Opera House are the most striking landmarks of this city on the Elbe which holds so much more in store for visitors. A Tip: Jazz and Dixieland cruises on the Elbe upriver towards Pillnitz Palace aboard a historical paddle steamer. First class Dixieland bands provide a fitting atmosphere, aided by their singing and swinging fans and plenty of Saxon beer in the Gallery. Follow this link for further information on the Dresden Elbe Valley Photo: © Sylvio Dittrich 2004 Muskauer Park Muskauer Park - UNESCO World Heritage Site Since 2004
The grounds of the park are either side of the River Neisse, straddling the German-Polish border. The park covers an area of approximately 830 hectares. Its defining features include its spacious layout, broad vistas, varying intensities of landscape design and artificial watercourses. On a stroll through the park, visitors experience a constantly alternating, three-dimensional scene that has been hewn out of the natural landscape. Intensive, combined efforts by conservationists in Germany and Poland in recent years, have resulted in a more holistic, cross-border approach to the continuing restoration of the park. A Tip: Walks through Muskauer Park, open all year round. Use the Double Bridge to cross the border between the German and Polish areas of the park. Follow this link for further information on Muskauer Park Photo: © Muskauer Park Quedlinburg Old Town with the Castle Hill, the Munzenberg and St. Wigberts Church UNESCO World Heritage Site Since 1994
The collegiate church of St. Servatius - with the tombs of the first German King, Heinrich l and Mathilde, his queen, and also a famous church treasury - is a Romanesque masterpiece. In a 10th century imperial charter, Quedlinburg is referred to as the "metropolis of the Empire" and, under Heinrich I and his Ottonian successors, the town developed into a major center for European politics, education and culture. The Lyonel Feininger Gallery, which has Europe's largest collection by the artist, is well worth a visit. A Tip: The traditional "Quedlinburger Musiksommer", held for more than 25 years, continues between June and September: a feast of classical music performed by top-class music artists in the collegiate church. Follow this link for further information on Quedlinburg Photo: © Quedlinburg-Tourismus-Marketing GmbH Weimar Classical Weimar UNESCO World Heritage Site Since 1996
This includes magnificent examples of interior design in the European Classicist style dating from around 1800. The places where poets and their patrons lived and worked remain as witnesses to Classical Weimar: Goethe's home, Schiller's home and the three palaces - Belvedere, Ettersburg and Tiefurt with their unique grounds. Other examples are the sites where Herder lived and worked, the Wittumpalais where the illustrious intellectuals met, the renowned Anna Amalia library and the Ducal Vault in the Historic Cemetery. UNESCO acknowledged the global impact of the "Bauhaus" in Weimar in 1996 and the treasures of the "Goethe-Schiller-Archive" which was listed in the "Memory of the world" in 2001. A Tip: In August and September, the cultural festival "pelerinages" (on the move) takes place in Weimar. General Director Nike Wagner (Great-granddaughter of Richard Wagner) offers performances to fine arts. Music of all interests, dance, exhibitions, literature and movies in the night emphasize the atmosphere of the town. Follow this link for further information on Weimar Photo: © Tourist-Information Weimar Wittenberg, Eisleben The Luther Memorials in Wittenberg and Eisleben a UNESCO World Heritage Site Since 1996
From the end of the 15th century, Wittenberg was the seat of the prince-elector Freidrich the Wise. It was a combination of his political shrewdness, the university (founded in 1502) and the influence of Luther and other reformers that made Wittenburg center of intellectual life in Europe. From 1511, Martin Luther lived at Wittenberg's Augustinian monastery both as monk and as a professor. Following his marriage in 1525, some years later the Prince elector gave him the building. The historical market square with its medieval ambience and monument to Luther is a particular highlight to any visit to the Luther town of Eisleben. A walking tour through Eisleben's old town will lead you to the birthplace of Luther, the church where he was baptized, St. Peter and Paul, to St. Andreas, the church with the original Luther pulpit, St. Anne's Church with the only existing stone picture bible and the museum commemorating Luther's death on February 18th, 1546. A Tip: Luther's Wedding: Every 2nd weekend in June, you can join in one of Germany's loveliest town festivals at original Reformation sites. The festival celebrates the historic occasion of Luther's marriage to Katharina von Bora. Follow this link for further information on Wittenberg Photo: © Wittenberg-Information World Heritage Sites in the South Bamberg Bamberg Old Town - UNESCO World Heritage Site Since 1993
Alongside such architectural gems as the cathedral, old town hall, New Residence and St. Michael's Monastery, it is the River Regnitz with its many watercourses and bridges that shapes the face of the town and emphasizes the romantic atmosphere that the visitor encounters at every turn. Bamberg has essentially developed into a baroque town and yet has still managed to preserve its medieval structures. Virtually unscathed by war, Bamberg's old town is now the largest ensemble of buildings in Germany to have been preserved in its original state. 1,000 years of history have made their mark on Bamberg and have left behind treasures of inestimable value, including examples of German and European architectural history from many different epochs. A Tip: Learn about the history of Bamberg while being entertained in the Theatre of Shadows, or plunge into the Fine Art of Bamberg Brews with the Beer Tasting Tours. Enjoy highlights of classical music at the Sunday concerts. Follow this link for further information on Bamberg Photo: © Tourismus und Kongress Service Bamberg Maulbronn Maulbronn Monastery Complex - UNESCO World Heritage Site Since 1993
At the beginning of the 13th century, a triple-nave entrance hall (the Paradies) was added to the church, built in a transitional style between Romanesque and Gothic, which opens with wide double arches onto the courtyard. The monastery courtyard is still ringed by the fortified wall and the towers, commercial buildings and living quarters built within, on and above the walls. In 1556, the abbey was converted into a Protestant monastery school whose alumni include Johannes Kepler, Hermann Hesse and Friedrich Hölderlin. A Tip: The Monastery Festival and the Medieval Market take place in June on alternate years. The monastery courtyard is filled with colorful market activity, inviting visitors to take a journey back in time to the Middle Ages. Follow this link for further information on Maulbronn Photo: © Stadt Maulbronn Pfaffenwinkel The Wieskirche Church at Pfaffenwinkel - UNESCO World Heritage Site Since 1983
After tears were first seen on the figure of the "Scourged Saviour" on June 14, 1738, the Wieskirche quickly became an unimaginably popular place of pilgrimage. The church can be seen from far away, perched atop a small rise in the middle of its meadow. Its architecture and interior are shaped by the idea of the pilgrimage, redolent with suffering penance and salvation. Every detail of the outstanding, but never outlandish decoration contributes to the overall look. The Wieskirche brings together architecture, imagery and stucco to form a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts: a work of art that provides a splendid setting for the miraculous figure of the Scourged Saviour. A Tip: The height of musical pleasure - from May to September, classical concerts are held in the Wieskirche with music ranging from the Baroque to the Late Romantic. Follow this link for further information on Pfaffenwinkel Follow this link for further information on the church of the Scourged Saviour" (Wieskirche) Photo: © Tourismusverband Pfaffenwinkel Reichenau Monastic Island of Reichenau - UNESCO World Heritage Site Since 2000
A Benedictine Monastery was founded on the island in 724 by the itinerant Bishop Pirmin. Under direct imperial control, it flourished from the 8th to the 11th century and developed into one of the great intellectual centres of the western world. The famous monastery school, where classes were given by highly respected teachers, produced brilliant theologians, politicians, scientists, writers and musicians. The monastery library, the Reichenau School of Painting (manuscript illumination and wall painting) and the art of gold work at Reichenau became extremely well known. A Tip: Reminders of Reichenau's great past are its three traditional feast days when there is a procession across the island: St. Mark's Festival, April 25th; Blood of Christ Festival, the Monday after Trinity Sunday; Assumption, August 15th Follow this link for further information on Richenau Photo: © Tourist-Information Reichenau Würzburg Residence, with Court Gardens and Residence Square - UNESCO World Heritage Site Since 1982
A Tip: Würzburg Mozart Festival: every year in June/July, thousands of visitors are captivated by this event's unique atmosphere. Internationally renowned chamber and symphony orchestras, together with well known artists perform Mozart's masterpieces in the Residence. Also, the open air concerts in the festively illuminated Court Gardens of the Residence and the Palace of Veitshöchheim are famous for their romantic atmosphere. No link to information on Würzburg could be found at this time Photo: © Congress Tourismus Würzburg World Heritage Sites in the West Aachen Aachen Cathedral a UNESCO World Heritage Site Since 1978
The cathedral's present form has evolved over the course of more than a millennium. The heart of Aachen Cathedral is Charlemagne's former palatine chapel. The single-nave chancel was consecrated on the 600th anniversary of Charlemagne's death. Since then, the "Glass House" of Aachen has impressed successive generations of visitors with its bold architecture. For 600 years, from 936 to 1531, Aachen Cathedral was the coronation church for 30 German kings, and even today the cathedral retains much of the glamour of its historic past. The inclusion of this building as the first German "architectural and art history ensemble" in the UNESCO list of world heritage sites underlines the exceptional importance of this exceptional building. A Tip: Evening music and concerts at the Aachen Cathedral on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in the months of June, July September and October. Follow this link for further information on Aachen Follow this link for further information on Aachen Cathedral © Verkehrsverein Bad Aachen e.V. Brühl The Palaces of Augustusburg and Falkenlust a UNESCO World Heritage Site Since 1984
The famous staircase of the palace was designed by Balthasar Neumann and until 1996 was used for state occasions. Dominique Girard planned the baroque gardens in French style . Between 1729 and 1737, one of the most intimate and exquisite examples of German rococo, Falkenlust Palace was created according to the plans of Cuvillies. A Tip: A variety of events are held in Augustusburg and Falkenlust Palaces. Special guided tours, organized by the palace administration, give a lively description of everyday life at court in the 18th century. Between May and September the international classical music festival "Bruhler Schlosskonzerte" takes place as a summer highlight in the famous ceremonial staircase of Augustusburg Palace. Follow this link for further information on Brühl Follow this link for further information on Falkenlust Palace Photo: Rüdiger Block, Hürth© Verwaltung Schloss Brühl Essen The Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex a UNESCO World Heritage Site Since 2001
At the most attractive coal mine in the "Ruhr", visitors can trace the development of modern art of the 20s and 30s alongside that of heavy industry. The surface plant which has been preserved in its original condition, houses the Zollverein Museum. Here, visitors can follow the "Black Gold Trail" accompanied by expert tour guides. On the tour, illustrative models, films and museum installations show how the coal was processed - to a audio background of authentic sounds. A Tip: First weekend in September: "Essen. Original": Three days of rock, jazz, dance, hip hop and comedy to get the city reveling. Follow this link for further information on Essen Photo: © Entwicklungsgesellschaft "Zollverein" Köln Cologne Cathedral a UNESCO World Heritage Site Since 1996
The cathedral contains a wealth of important art works: the colorful stained glass windows that flood the cathedral with their mystical light, the Gero cross (c. 970 A.D.), the oldest large sculpture in the Western World, the shrine housing the relics of the Three Kings (1180-1225), an exceptional example of the regional goldsmiths' art and the altar of the city patrons (c1450) by Stephan Lochner, the masterpiece of the Cologne school of artists. A Tip: Once a month from September to June, performances by well-known guest choirs or the Cathedral's own choirs are staged in front of the Sarcophagus of the Epiphany in the intimate setting between the choir stalls. Follow this link for further information on Cologne Photo: © Stadt Köln Lorsch Benedictine Abbey & Altenmünster Monastery of Lorsch - UNESCO World Heritage Site Since 1991
Founded around 764, it survived until the Reformation (1556) before being completely destroyed in the Thirty Years War. Its lands extended from what is now the Dutch North Sea coast right down to Switzerland. Lorsch housed a very important library and was one of the medieval centres of learning. One of the most well known manuscripts stemming from Lorsch is the so-called Lorscher Arzneibuch (Lorsch pharmacopoeia), which is regarded as marking the beginning of science-based medicine. A Tip: Get in touch with the Middle Ages. Special educational offers in several languages for schools and families all year round. Follow this link for further information on Benedictine Abbey and Altenmünster Monastery of Lorsch Photo: © Verwaltung der Staatlichen Schlösser und Gärten Messel Messel Pit Fossil Site - UNESCO World Heritage Site Since 1995
There are museums in Darmstadt, Frankfurt and Messel where fascinating exhibits from the Messel Pit are on display and preserved for future generations. A new gallery is scheduled to open by no later than 2007, which will give visitors a fascinating insight into the research activities and other areas of interest at Messel. This window on the past is situated approximately 10 km east of Darmstadt, just south of Messel in the forests of the Messel hills and can be reached from Frankfurt in around 30 minutes by car or by train via Darmstadt and Messel. A Tip: The hilly region around Messel is excellent walking territory, offering plenty of alternatives for both walks and cycle tours. The ever changing scenery is home to an unbelievable diversity of rare, endangered species of flora and fauna. No link to information on Messel could be found at this time Photo: © Forschungsinstitut Senckenberg Obres Mittelrheintal Upper Middle Rhine Valley a UNESCO World Heritage Site Since 2002
In 2002, UNESCO included the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, one of the most beautiful parts of Germany which has been cultivated since ancient times, in its World Heritage List. A sequence of castles and palaces extends from the old Roman town of Koblenz, passing the legendary Loreley to Bingen and Rüdesheim, along steep bluffs where grapes for the famous Rhine wines are grown. The Rhine, the German "river of destiny", has conveyed people from all parts of the world. It has delivered them and their belongings, along with their traditions, artistic and cultural influences to locations along this vital waterway. A Tip: "Middle-Rhine-Music-Moments" from mid-July until the end of August. Concerts at castles in the Central Rhine Valley from Koblenz to Bingen and Rudesheim. Follow this link for further information on the Upper Middle Rhine Valley Photo: © Koblenz-Touristik Speyer Speyer Cathedral - UNESCO World Heritage Site Since 1981
The imposing triple-nave vaulted basilica is the culmination of a design which was extremely influential in the subsequent development of Romanesque architecture during the 11th and 12th centuries. The cathedral's hallmarks are the balanced distribution of its east and west ends and the symmetrical arrangement of four towers at the corners of the body of the structure formed by the nave and transept. A Tip: The International Music Festival is held in Speyer Cathedral from August to October: a splendid festival featuring choral, orchestral and organ works. Follow this link for further information on Speyer Photo: © Stadt Speyer Trier Roman Monuments, Cathedral of St. Peter and Church of Our Lady a UNESCO World Heritage Site Since 1986
Augusta Treverorum, which later would be known as Trier, was founded by Romans under Emperor Augustus around 16 B.C. close to a place held sacred by the Celtic Treveri tribe. Today, Trier's world-class monuments and art treasures bear witness to a history that dates back more that 2000 years. However, Trier is more than a town filled with antiquities. A happy coexistence between old and new is precisely what gives Trier its very special charm. A Tip: The Antiquity Festival (Antikenfestspiele), from the middle of June to the middle July in the historical setting of the Roman Amphitheatre or Imperial Baths: grand opera and historical plays in a venue laden with history. Museum exhibition - Constantine the Great in Trier in 2007 - an internationally significant museum exhibition by the State of Rhineland - Palatinate about the life and times of the Roman Emperor Constantine. Follow this link for further information on Trier Photo: © Presseamt Trier Völklingen Völklingen Ironworks UNESCO World Heritage Site Since 1994
A Tip: Science Center Ferrodrom 2005 - Discover the World of Iron - further modules are to be added to this exhibition in the Möller Hall over the coming years. Follow this link for further information on the Völklingen Ironworks Photo: © Völklinger Hütte Editor's Note: We wish to express our appreciation to The German National Tourist Office for providing information used in creating this article Special links related to this article . . . |
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The
inhabitants of the Hanseatic City of Bremen always knew: the city's
town hall and the Roland "statue of liberty" in front of the
building are absolutely unique. Recently, this was also confirmed by
UNESCO. The coveted title for the Rathaus and the statue of Knight
Roland has been granted on the basis of an ICOMOS report which highlighted
their "exceptional testimony to the civic autonomy and sovereignty,
as these developed in the Holy Roman Empire." The inscription
document also notes the "outstanding example of the so-called Weser
Renaissance in Northern Germany," which typifies the town hall, while
the city's foremost sculpture is mentioned as being "the most
representative and one of the oldest of Roland statues erected as a symbol
of market rights and freedom." The home of the celebrated
Bremen Town Musicians has put itself on the map as the pulsating,
multi-faceted heart of North West Germany. With history, traditions,
science, technology and the aerospace industry, this innovative and
multi-faceted city has something for everyone: from the regenerated
Schlachte Promenade on the River Weser to the city's oldest living quarter
around Schnoor, the graceful structure in Böttcherstraße to world
class attractions like the 21st century Universum Science Center
Bremen.
Wartburg Castle is one of the best-preserved
castles of the German Middle Ages. Founded in 1067, it was extended
over several centuries to form a sprawling fortified complex. Examples
of Romanesque, Gothic, and 19th century architecture are all well apparent
here. 
Deep in the Rammelsberg, once laid the world's
largest deposit of copper, lead and zinc. Ore was being mined here
as long as 3000 years ago. Today, an exceptional collection of
industrial monuments and a unique cultural landscape have been preserved.
Since the mine was closed in 1988, the site has been home to one of
Germany's largest and most original museums. Far below ground,
visitors are offered fascinating insights into 850 years of industrial
mining history.
St. Michaels, one of the most beautiful
Early Romanesque churches in Germany, and the cathedral are outstanding
monuments to Romanesque architecture. They stand as testimony to the
creative energy of Bishop Bernward.
The
Limes, an ancient fortified border line, is a reminder of the Roman era, a
civilization that existed 2,000 years ago which had a
lasting influence on the cultural development of Europe. It is Europe's
largest archaeological monument.
Lübeck,
Queen of the Hanseatic League, was founded in 1143 as the first
"western city on the Baltic coast." The medieval
atmosphere and historically important cultural sights shape the face of
the city and testify to Lübeck's great past as a Free Imperial and
Hanseatic City. The picturesque oval Old Town, surrounded by water,
contains some of Germany's most important brick Gothic buildings.
The spires of the seven churches have dominated the city skyline ever
since the Middle Ages
Stralsund
and Wismar town centres are typical examples of the Hanseatic towns at the
peak of their development during the prime of the Hanseatic League in the
14th century. The ancient town centres have retained their medieval
layout and bear witness to the establishment of towns thriving on maritime
trading according to the "Law of Lübeck." The original
buildings, amongst them a number of distinctive monuments, serve to
illustrate the political impact and the extraordinary wealth of the
medieval Baltic towns.
The world famous Museumsinsel (Museums Island)
lies between the Rivers Spree and Kupfergraben and is a unique collection
of buildings housing archeological treasures and 19th century art.
Concentrated in an area of less than one square kilometer, in a period of
100 years - from 1830 to 1930 - the island in the middle of the River
Spree evolved into a temple to the arts, presenting six thousand years of
the history in five museums. It all started with the completion of
the Old Museum designed by Schnikel in 1830. The first overarching
building plan for Museumsinsel was drawn up in 1841 by Friedrich August
Stüler, a student of Schinkel and his plans were used to build the New
Museums in 1859 and the Old National Gallery in 1876. In 1904, the
Kaiser Friedrich Museum (now known as the Bodemuseum) was opened, and when
the Pergamon Museum opened in 1930 the building work on Museumsinsel was
complete. During the second World War, up to 70% of the museums were
destroyed. The devastating effects of the war and the subsequent
division of Berlin are currently being redressed with an extensive
programme of rebuilding and restoration.
The cultural landscape of Potsdam and Berlin
is the most extensive of all Germany's world heritage sites. The
parks, created over centuries in Potsdam and Berlin under Prussia's
Electors, Kaisers and Kings, form an ensemble which is unique. Great
architects, famous artists and landscape designers have all left their
mark on this work of art, whose elaborate gardens and numerous buildings
are linked together in myriad ways both geographically and aesthetically.
The "Staatliches Bauhaus Weimar" was founded
by Walter Gropius as a school of Art and Architecture in 1919.
Teaching took place in the buildings of the former School of Fine
Arts or School of Applied Arts, which were designed by Henry van de Velde.
Both buildings are part of the UNESCO World Heritage and today house the
Bauhaus University of Weimar. The Haus Am Horn", built in 1923 to
the plans of Georg Muche, is open to the public.
The Garden Kingdom was the brainchild of
Prince Leopold lll Freidrich Franz von Anhalt-Dessau (1740-1817), who
sought, with many of his reforms, to create a harmonious union between
man and nature. He set the Garden Kingdom in a landscape defined by
rivers and meadows. Palaces, gardens and tree lined streets, park
buildings, follies and other small architectural gems blend so naturally
into the environment that they give the whole "kingdom" the appearance of
one endless park.
The
Dresden Elbe Valley with its harmonious combination of nature and urban
architecture was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004 under
the category of developing cultural landscapes. Dresden is
characterized by the unity of its historical city centre, garden suburbs
and unique natural landscape.
Muskauer Park is an exceptional example of
landscape park design. The park was laid out between 1815 and 1845 to plans
drawn up by Hermann Fürst von Pückler-Muskau, a landscape gardener,
prince and travel writer. Subsequent owners continued to develop and
substantially extend the park in accordance with von Pückler's original plans.
This former capital on the Romanesque Route is
one of the most important historical sites in Germany. The main attraction
is the town itself: with its original ground plan and more than 1300
half-timbered buildings - no less than eight centuries worth - it is an
excellent example of a well-preserved medieval town. The Museum of
Half-Timbering (Fachwerkmuseum) is housed in what is one of Germany's
oldest half-timbered buildings which date from 1340. 
The unparalleled role of the city as a centre
of intellectual life in the 18th, 19th and 20th century shapes the city's
facade with buildings and park grounds of great cultural importance. The
conferral of world heritage status upon three sites in Weimar brings
to the UNESCO list a cultural treasure which is a highly authentic
representation of the "Classical Weimar", the creation of "Bauhaus" and
the handwritten works of Goethe (UNESCO "Memory of the World" list),
preserved by the Goethe-Schiller-Archive.
Visitors to Wittenberg can still bask in the
atmosphere of the Reformation and Renaissance periods. A stroll
through the Old Town takes you straight to the Schlosskirche with the
world famous door on which Luther nailed his Propositions, as well as the
tombs of Luther and Melanchthon, then on to the Cranach buildings, to the
Municipal Church with its impressive altar designed by Cranach and the
houses of Luther and Melanchthon.
Spread over seven hills, and situated at the
heart of Franconian cultural landscape is Bamberg, a former centre of Episcopal
and imperial power. The town's position of importance can
be traced back to its founder and patron Emperor Heinrich II (died 1024),
who made Bamberg his power base.
The
former Cistercian Abbey is not just the most completely preserved
monastery complex north of the Alps, but is also a perfect example of
medieval architecture. Construction work began in 1147 and the
church, a Romanesque basilica with three naves, was consecrated to Mary,
Mother of God, in 1178. The men's chancel features ornately
decorated oak stalls.
The
"pilgrimage church to the Scourged Saviour" (Wieskirche) at the foot
of the Alps is widely regarded as one of the most perfect examples of
Bavarian rococo. It is one of the few churches of the 18th century
preserved in its original style, and it is described in the art history
books as a true masterpiece. Dominikus Zimmermann enlisted the help
of a number of other leading artists of the time to create the undisputed
highlight of this very Bavarian style of rococo architecture in 1745 -
1754.
The
cultural landscape of the Island of Reichenau on Lake Constance bears
outstanding witness to the religious and cultural role of a great
Benedictine Monastery in the Middle Ages. The island's three
Romanesque churches are outstanding examples of monastic architecture
between the 9th and 10th centuries, and their wall paintings reveal that
during the 10th and 11th centuries, Reichenau was a cultural centre of
major significance for the history of European art.
The
former seat of the Würzburg prince-bishops, built between 1720 and 1744,
is one of the most important baroque palaces in Europe and the most
beautiful example of South German baroque palace architecture.
Balthasar Neumann was commissioned by Prince-Bishop Johann Philip Franz
von Schönborn to design and build the palace. In 1752/53, the
Venetian Giovanni Battista Tiepolo painted the world's biggest ceiling
fresco to decorate Neumann's world-famous cantilevered staircase with its
vaulted ceiling. Starting with the vestibule and garden room, the
palace has one magnificent room after another, with the staircase being
followed by the White Hall and the Imperial Hall which is also decorated
with frescos by G.B. Tiepolo. The restored Mirrored Cabinet Room and
the marble court church, a shining example of sacral art in Würzburg, are
two of the most outstanding rooms. A stroll through the palace
grounds is a must for art lovers and natures lovers alike.
When Emperor Charlemagne began work on his
palatine chapel in the town now known as Aachen in 786, his dream was to
create a new Rome. It turned out to be the foundation stone for one
of the most important buildings in Europe.
In 1984, UNESCO included the palaces of
Augustusburg and the gardens in its list of world cultural heritage as an
outstanding example of German rococo art. Augustusburg Palace, the
favorite residence of Clemens August von Wittelsbach (1700 - 1761),
archbishop and prince-elector of Cologne, was created in 1725 by the
Westphalian architect Johann Conrad Schlaun and was transformed into a
magnificent palace under the direction of the Bavarian court master
builder Francois de Cuvillies between 1728 and 1768.
The Zollverein mine in Essen was the biggest
and most modern coal-mining complex in the world. The two Bauhaus -
inspired architects Fritz Schupp and Martin Kremmer, who designed every
last detail of the twin axis industrial complex to harmonize in accordance
with the principles of symmetry and geometry, created a unique model
complex in Zollverein Shaft Xll. Since then, the site has been
developed
into an industrial monument of international importance with a lively arts
centre.
Cologne Cathedral (on which work began in
1248) is one of the world's great churches, exemplifying the High Gothic
cathedral style in the purest and most perfect sense. The size of
Cologne Cathedral is presaged by the mighty pair of spires which have
dominated the city and its surroundings like no other architectural work
ever since they were completed in 1880. When work was completed in the 19th
century, the cathedral was the biggest building in the world. The
design of the west facade defied the conventional wisdom of the time: the
largest church façade in the world, it had a surface area of 7,000 square
metres and was flanked by two might spires, each were 157 metres in height.
The famous Carolingian gate house in Lorsch,
also known as the Königshalle, is one of the most important
pre-Romanesque architectural relics in Germany. Although neither the
date of construction nor the original function of the Carolingian building
are known, the splendor of the decoration on its facade and upper floor
give an indication of the quality of the lost buildings of one of the
greatest and most important monasteries in Central Europe: Lorsch
Abbey.
The Messel Pit Fossil Site holds some of the
richest deposits of mammalian fossils in the world. To date,
geoscientists have unearthed approximately 40,000 individual finds from
the former volcanic crater lake (or "maar") that was formed
around 47 million years ago. The finds include mammal predecessors
(including a relative of the horse), fish, insects, reptiles, amphibians
and plants. The unique feature of this site is the preservation of
fully articulated skeletons, skin, hair, unborn fetuses and stomachs
containing the animals' last meal.
Speyer's
magnificent Romanesque imperial cathedral is the town's famous landmark,
visible for miles around. Built by emperors as their choice of final
resting place, it symbolizes their enormous power. The cathedral was
not dedicated until 1061, although building work began under the Salian
Emperor Konrad II around 1030. One of the largest and most important
Romanesque buildings in Germany, Speyer's imperial cathedral is laid out
in the form of a Latin cross and is where the Salian emperors chose to be
entombed.
The inscription on Rotes Haus (Red House) on
the Hauptmarkt states categorically that "Trier existed 1300 years
before Rome" However well intended, the medieval author of this
declaration wasn't entirely correct unless one counts on the ancient
settlements that sprang up in the valley of Trier in the third century
B.C. Indeed, Trier was the first "town" north of the Alps to bear
that designation with justification.
In
1994, UNESCO awarded the Völklingen Ironworks the status of a World
Cultural Heritage site, as the only ironworks surviving worldwide from the
heyday of the iron and steel industry. Situated close to
Saarbrücken, on the banks of the River Saar, covering an area of more
than 600,000 metres, the foundry is a hot tip for anyone seeking the
exceptional. The gigantic six blast furnaces, the over 6,000 metre
large blower half with its colossal machines as well as the inclined ore
lift, unique in the world, are all together highlights of engineering
achievements of the early 20th century. The 30-metre-high charging
platform, from where the furnaces were charged with coke and ore, is now a
huge viewing platform, surpassed only by the 45-metre-high blast heaters -
a particular thrill! The Völklingen Iron works World Cultural
Heritage Site is now one of the most exciting places in the world.
