December 11 was a date deliberately chosen for the celebratory event at the Concert and Congress Hall: exactly 30 years earlier, UNESCO had awarded the city of Bamberg World Heritage status. Chief Conservator Prof. Mathias Pfeil said in his commemorative speech: “For heritage conservationists, Bamberg is like being on cloud nine.” Just how much the people of Bamberg value their World Heritage status became abundantly clear during the celebratory event.

“Bamberg lives not only within its historic walls or through its listed buildings, but in the hearts of its citizens,” said Bamberg’s Mayor Starke in his welcoming remarks. The World Heritage designation, he noted, is not only a recognition but also a commitment. He recalled that in 2006, Bamberg became the first city in Germany to establish a central coordination office for all aspects of the World Heritage Site—today’s World Heritage Center. The modern World Heritage Visitor Center at the Untere Mühlen, which opened in 2019, now serves as a model at both the national and international levels.

The “Bamberg Model,” which the city launched as early as the 1950s, has also proven its worth. It provides homeowners with technical and financial support to renovate their historic buildings. Mayor Starke: “We will continue to need this important funding instrument in the future. It ensures private investment and renovation measures.”

In her opening remarks, Dr. Simona von Eyb, the new director of the Bamberg World Heritage Center, spoke of a “sense of community” and the founding of UNESCO as an act of solidarity. “World Heritage encourages us to discover the joy of cultural diversity.” Right at the outset, von Eyb expressed her deep gratitude to everyone who is so committed to preserving World Heritage.

Committed to the Bamberg World Heritage Site

In addition to initiatives, associations, and individuals, three names came up repeatedly throughout the evening: Dr. Karin Dengler-Schreiber, deputy chair of the Bavarian State Monument Council; Patricia Alberth, former World Heritage manager in Bamberg; and Diana Büttner, who had temporarily taken over as acting director of the World Heritage Center. All three dedicated women received heartfelt thanks from various quarters. Mayor Andreas Starke took the opportunity to once again warmly welcome Dr. Simona von Eyb to her new position as World Heritage Manager, a role she assumed on October 1, 2023.

A special video greeting was sent from the World Heritage Centre in Paris to the Concert and Congress Hall: Director Lazare Aloundou Assomo offered his heartfelt congratulations and emphasized Bamberg’s significant influence on early medieval urban development in Central Europe.

The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Mathias Pfeil, Chief Conservator at the Bavarian State Office for the Preservation of Historical Monuments. “Bamberg has a very special charm. Its rich history and the way it comes to life allow you to take a deep breath. You can feel the history.” Even today, he noted, one can find one’s way around the historic old town using a map from that era. “The old town is a reflection of the skill of generations.” Pfeil also emphasized the role of the citizens: “A vibrant culture of discussion is a sign of commitment.” The city of Bamberg has been a pioneer in the protection of cultural heritage for decades, and has done so with compassion and dedication: “Bamberg is alive!”

Preserving World Heritage as a Shared Goal

However, Dr. Karin Dengler-Schreiber noted in her closing remarks—in which she shared many personal insights—that the early days of the World Heritage program took some time to gain momentum. The vice-chair of the Bavarian State Monument Council and former local historian in Bamberg vividly described a “revelatory experience” she had at her first international UNESCO World Heritage meeting: “All these different people are united by a common goal: the preservation of World Heritage.” The fundamental idea behind the World Heritage Convention is nothing less than the heritage of humanity. “This means: there is something that belongs to all people of this world.” This is an indication of an “exciting” process: the coming together of humanity.

Musical surprises and great entertainment were provided that evening by the various music ensembles of the E.T.A. Hoffmann Gymnasium, a UNESCO project school. Jonas Ochs closed the event with his hip-hop performance “7 Hügel.”

Photo credit: Sina Schraudner/Bamberg City Archives

Captions:

(1): The three World Heritage managers together (from left): Patricia Alberth, Dr. Simona von Eyb, and Dr. Karin Dengler-Schreiber