In this interview, the new director shares which events have been the most exciting for her so far, what has surprised her, and why she finds Bamberg magical.

Dear Ms. von Eyb, how have you settled in since you started your position on October 2, 2023, and what was particularly important during the early days?

Simona von Eyb: I’ve settled in very well and have enjoyed gaining so many new insights. From the very beginning, it was important for me to listen and ask questions to understand how everything works here. Building trusting interpersonal relationships in both my professional and personal spheres remains a high priority for me.

What has changed for you over the past 100 days?

Since I’ve learned more about the organizational and administrative structure of the city government, I’ve found even more enjoyment and passion in my work. I have many project ideas that we’re discussing with the World Heritage Center team and the relevant departments in the administration. My vision is that we develop the World Heritage Site in a way that inspires people.

What are your priorities in developing the World Heritage Site?

Personally, four approaches are particularly important to me.

First: thinking holistically. Because the World Heritage Site consists not only of the physical substance of the city, but also of what happens within it. The city of Bamberg is a holistic organism.

Second: think collaboratively. We always work together with other stakeholders and create shared value.

Third: think globally. Why is the Bamberg World Heritage Site relevant to global challenges? Or, to put it another way: What relevant challenges are reflected in Bamberg? I’m thinking, for example, of how climate change is affecting our cities.

Fourth: think humanely. The people who live in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bamberg, and their well-being, are the most important element.

What projects are on the agenda this year?

We have numerous projects ahead of us in 2024. Overall, we will develop a strategic plan for the World Heritage Center. The World Heritage Management Plan, which we intend to effectively update and implement as a tool, will be a priority. We would like to develop a series of thematic workshops on various craft traditions. The concept for a World Heritage Festival is also in the works. In the longer term, we are planning an exhibition on the personal stories of the people of Bamberg—this is truly a labor of love for me. Of course, there will also be another World Heritage Day and the “Open Nursery Day.” We would like to deepen our cooperation with the University of Bamberg, for example, in terms of educating children. We also want to involve the student community in the city more closely. In addition, there are numerous events, such as the meeting of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee and the World Heritage Managers’ Forum in India, or the General Assembly of the Organization of World Heritage Cities in Spain, where we will be represented. What inspires me most at national and international meetings is the recognition Bamberg receives. The city has a reputation for actively championing the World Heritage site, has a World Heritage Visitor Center, and a management plan that was wonderfully developed by my predecessor, Patricia Alberth, and her team.

What has been the most exciting event since you took office?

Of course, the “30 Years of Bamberg as a UNESCO World Heritage Site” anniversary, which we celebrated last year. That was truly special. I started in October, and in December there was the big ceremony at the Concert and Congress Hall. The atmosphere was absolutely wonderful, and the sense of community fostered by the World Heritage designation was very striking.

Is there anything that has surprised you during your time as the new World Heritage Manager?

It was indeed a pleasant surprise that the World Heritage topic is so prominent here in the city administration. Many stakeholders have responded very positively to my outreach. City Treasurer Bertram Felix has a real passion for World Heritage and historic preservation—that’s wonderful.

Regarding the last question: What is your personal connection to Bamberg and its World Heritage Site?

I’ve always lived in big cities and was completely enchanted by the magic of Bamberg. It was love at first sight. Sometimes, on my way to work, I stop and think, “Oh, how beautiful!” At the same time, as a World Heritage Site manager, I also feel a shared responsibility for this wonderful place. Then there’s the special family connection to Bamberg: My ancestors lived here over 500 years ago and served as spiritual guides to the people of Bamberg within church circles. It’s a wonderful feeling for me to now be able to care for the city and its people in my own way.

Photo credit: Jürgen Schraudner/Bamberg City Archives

Caption: Dr. Simona von Eyb in front of the World Heritage Visitor Center on the Untere Mühlen