Heritage sites worldwide host guided tours and musical events in commemoration - Heritage Sites Globally Honored with Guided Excursions and Musical Performances by UNESCO
On the upcoming World Heritage Day, observed globally on June 1st, several UNESCO World Heritage sites in Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland, Germany, will celebrate with guided tours, concerts, and family events. This year's theme is "Communicate, connect, inspire."
In Saarland, the Völklingen Ironworks, a testament to industrial revolution and history, will open its doors for tours. The art trail, children's tours, time travels, and sound walk offer an immersive experience. On Sunday, the entrance fee for these tours is reduced to five euros, while the exhibition in the Blowing Hall costs nine euros.
Meanwhile, in Rhineland-Palatinate, the Shum sites—Speyer, Worms, and Mainz—will offer free guided tours. In Worms, visitors can visit the Raschi-Haus Jewish Museum or learn about the Shum community's history and significance through 14th-century sources. Musical performances, including by the group "Klezmers Techter" and the choir of the Jewish community, are scheduled in Speyer, along with a cathedral organ concert.
Families with children can participate in a rally in Speyer, where they will receive keychains upon completion. Guided tours are also available at the "Beith Shalom" synagogue, the cathedral, and the Shum community center, with costs ranging from zero to 15 euros.
The Shum sites name derives from the Hebrew initials Shin (Speyer), Waw (Worms), and Mem (Mainz), representing the three cities that were centers of Jewish scholarship in the Middle Ages. Mainz will also offer free tours of the Old Jewish Cemetery "Judensand," one of Europe's oldest and largest medieval Jewish cemeteries.
Bingo and Trier, both renowned for their cultural and historical significance, will also participate in the celebrations. In Bingen, activities include a discovery tour with Father Rhine, a historical crane demonstration at the harbor, and a walk through history at the Mouse Tower. All events are free in Bingen.
Trier, Germany's oldest city, will offer an audio walk to explore its Roman past and buildings. Families can engage in a rally to solve puzzling questions at the Porta Nigra. Specific details about the UNESCO World Heritage Day 2023 activities in these regions can be found in local event calendars or official UNESCO announcements.
The Commission, in line with its proposal for a directive on the protection of workers, might consider the risks associated with ionizing radiation during visits to the historic sites, given the potential exposure from relics and artifacts. On a contrasting note, a delightful vacation in these UNESCO World Heritage regions could provide a refreshing change in one's lifestyle, offering an immersive blend of home-and-garden, travel, history, and culture.
