SAALE-UNSTRUT - a German region on the way to become WORLD HERITAGE

• published: 21 Aug 2014
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WHY WORLD HERITAGE? What is the connection between Cologne Cathedral, the Pyramids of Egypt, or the Inca city of Machu Picchu, and the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania? They bear witness to cultures of the past, artistic masterpieces, and unique natural landscapes, and their disappearance would be an irreplaceable loss for the whole of humankind. Protecting them is an obligation for the whole of society. And in order to safeguard these treasures for the generations to come, in 1972 UNESCO implemented the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World and Natural Heritage. At present, the UNESCO World Heritage numbers more than 900 sites. In order to be adopted onto the list, the object for which application is being made must be unique worldwide, historically authentic, and, as far as can be achieved, unspoiled. THE TERRITORIES OF POWER OF THE HIGH MIDDLE AGES Impressive cultural monuments line the courses of the rivers Saale and Unstrut, one after another. In the midst of the rich vineyard landscape, Naumburg Cathedral, with its world famous figures of the founders, Neuenburg Castle, the Monasteries at Pforte and Zscheiplitz, and the fortresses of Schönburg, Goseck, Rudelsburg, and Saaleck, are all reminders of the golden era of the High Middle Ages. Inspired by the social developments in Europe, this region bore witness between the 11th and 13th centuries to a cultural impetus and inspiration, linked to the founding of settlements and villages as well as the building of imposing churches, cloisters, and castles. In the Middle Ages it was the nobility and the ecclesiastical overlords in particular who demonstrated their power and their self-awareness and confidence by the creation of truly impressive buildings and works of art. Important trade routes such as the Via Regia and the Regensburg Road intersected here, and promoted trade, cultural exchanges, and a Europe-wide network of interaction. This in turn gave rise to a cultural landscape which to this day still bears living witness to the developments of an entire epoch in world history. Under the title “The Naumburg Cathedral and the landscape of the rivers Saale and Unstrut – territories of power in the High Middle Ages”, the Saale-Unstrut Region is now seeking to be admitted onto the World Heritage list. The decision will be taken in the summer of 2015. * Förderverein "Welterbe an Saale und Unstrut e.V." Domplatz 19 06618 Naumburg Germany www.welterbeansaaleundunstrut.de * A film on commission by "Welterbe an Saale und Unstrut e.V." association, supported by the Land of Saxony-Anhalt and Lotto Toto GmbH. In cooperation with the Foundation "Dome und Schloesser in Sachsen-Anhalt". Produced by werkblende film + Fernsehproduktion GbR © 2014 - All rights reserved by werkblende GbR. Upload here in Goseck Castle's official youtube channel with kind permission of association "Welterbe an Saale und Unstrut e.V.". Goseck Castle - alongside with it's unique crypt, consecrated in 1046 - is one of those important monuments, included in the application. Beside other institutions, the castle also is home of "montalbâne ensemble", musical ambassador of "Welterbe an Saale und Unstrut e.V." and the application “The Naumburg Cathedral and the landscape of the rivers Saale and Unstrut – territories of power in the High Middle Ages” since 2013. www.schlossgoseck.de www.montalbane.de