Heritage Sites under UNESCO's auspices offering guided visits and musical performances to commemorate a special occasion. - Heritage Sites Across the Globe Host Guided Visits and Musical Performances for Commemoration
On the 1st of June, Germany observes UNESCO World Heritage Day, with various sites across Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland hosting special celebrations under the theme "Communicate, connect, inspire."
In Saarland, visitors can explore the Völklingen Ironworks, which will feature an art trail, children's tours, time travel experiences, and a sound walk. Entrance fees are €5 for the tours and only €9 for the "The True Size of Africa" exhibition in the Blowing Hall on Sunday.
Jewish history and the industrial revolution can be traced in Rhineland-Palatinate's Schum sites, which include Speyer, Worms, and Mainz. The three cities, renowned for their scholarly contributions during the Middle Ages, will offer free tours on this occasion. Worms, for instance, features the Jewish Museum Raschi-Haus, while Speyer boasts musical performances such as the group "Klezmers Techter" and the choir of the Jewish religious community. Additionally, Schum sites provide an opportunity to delve into the history of Schum communities, with original sources dating back to the 14th century.
Mainz will also showcase the Old Jewish Cemetery "Judensand," one of Europe's oldest and largest medieval Jewish cemeteries. Tours will offer insights into burial and mourning rituals, the meaning of gravestone symbols, and the personalities buried there. All male participants are requested to wear head coverings during the tour.
Outside of the Schum sites, Bingen and Trier will participate in the celebrations. Bingen, located in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, promises a variety of events against a scenic Rhine backdrop, including a Roman medical equipment exhibit, historical crane demonstrations, and a walk through history at the Mouse Tower. All events in Bingen are free.
Trier, known as Germany's oldest city, will offer an audio walk through Roman history and the city's buildings. Families can also solve puzzles together during the Porta Nigra rally.
Celebrating its 20th year, UNESCO World Heritage Day aims to promote awareness and appreciation of these historic sites. Many sites offer free tours, musical performances, and family-friendly events to engage visitors with the heritage. For precise information on activities scheduled at specific sites, visitors are encouraged to contact local tourism boards or visit official websites closer to June 1, 2025.
The Commission has also adopted a proposal for a directive, suggesting a lifestyle that prioritizes workers' safety from ionizing radiation in home-and-garden settings, and while traveling to the sites of UNESCO World Heritage Day in Germany. On their visit, tourists can delve into the rich history of Jewish communities, Roman influences, and Schum sites, experiencing musical performances, art trails, and educational tours as part of their travel itinerary.
