August 2002 - Nr. 8
Germany’s Romantic Rhine declared World Heritage Site
Historic Centres of Stralsund and Wismar also receive designation
Toronto – Germany’s Romantic Rhine has just received the prestigious World Heritage Site designation, along with the historic centres of the towns of Stralsund and Wismar (both on the Baltic.) The UNESCO decision was made during the 26th session of the Committee and made public on June 27, bringing the number of Germany’s World Heritage Sites up to 27.
The Middle Rhine’s appointment coincides well with Germany’s celebrations this year of 200 years of Rhine romance. Along the designated 65-kilometre stretch of the river, more than twenty medieval castles, fortresses and jagged ruins nestle against and on top of rocky outcrops, all open to the public. Some have turned into hotels, others have restaurants with spectacular views of the Rhine, others still house youth hostels. On both sides of the river gorge dramatic granite walls mix with densely wooded slopes, and wherever at all possible, vintners cultivate patches of local Rieslings.
But it’s more than the physical beauty that influenced the UNESCO decision. Some of the criteria include:
- As one of the most important transport routes in Europe, the Middle
Rhine Valley has for two millennia facilitated the exchange of culture
between the Mediterranean region and the north.
- The Middle Rhine Valley is an outstanding example of an evolving traditional way of life and means of communication in a narrow river valley. The terracing of its steep slopes in particular has shaped the landscape in many ways for more than two millennia.
For more information on Germany’s 27 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a map of their locations, please refer to www.germany-tourism.de , or use the internet links provided at www.unesco.org .
For more information on Germany in general, please contact the German National Tourist Office’s toll-free number, 1-877-315-6237, send an e-mail to gntony@aol.com , or visit GNTO’s Web sites at www.visits-to-germany.com . email address: gnto-toronto@look.ca
