German Contribution to European Heritage Days

A joint action of the Council of Europe and the European Commission

Sunday, 13 September, marks the day when Germany celebrates its cultural heritage by hosting Tag des offenen Denkmals (open house for monument) There are many special events happening allover Germany – various historical buildings give (free) guided tours, some museums allow free entrance, historical buildings and monuments allow for rooms to be entered usually withheld from public view.

This European initiative was started by the European Council in 1991 and is called European Heritage Days. This year’s theme is: Historische Orte des Genusses (Historical Sites of Enjoyment is their translation).

To check on participating countries and event dates, click on List of the 49 participating countries.

To learn more about their program in Germany, click on National Events Allemagne.

If you are in Germany and are looking for an interesting historical site to visit on 13 September, then click on Tag des offenen Denkmals. You will find a map outlining the 16 German states and below you can enter your town/zipcode and the name of the moment – if you happen to know it.

I found it easier using the map by clicking on Hessen, then on Frankfurt/Main to get to the list of participating places. Our own local Hochtaunuskreis (including Bad Homburg, Oberursel, Friedrichsdorf, Kronberg, Königstein, Usingen, Weilrod) is participating with 17 historical open-house attractions.

Mark your calendar for that day and bookmark your list of sites to see.