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Schwerin Residence Ensemble inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List
Schwerin Residence Ensemble inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, © UNESCO/Martina Lochen
On 27 July 2024, at its 46th session in New Delhi, the World Heritage Committee inscribed the Schwerin Residence Ensemble with its magnificent palace and more than 30 other historic buildings and gardens on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This makes it the third world heritage site in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and the 54th in Germany.
The ensemble embodies the last golden age of courtly culture and palace architecture in 19th century Europe. It is characterised by a remarkable stylistic diversity that combines elements of Neo-Renaissance, Neo-Baroque, Neo-Classicism and Neo-Gothic as well as the regional Johann Albrecht style. Today, Schwerin Castle serves as the seat of the state parliament of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and is thus a symbol of democracy. The inscription on the World Heritage List not only acknowledges the cultural and historical importance of the ensemble, but also the successful restoration process after the reunification of Germany:
“I am delighted that with the inscription of the Schwerin Residence Ensemble we can also celebrate a very successful restoration process, which, after reunification, incorporated a great deal of expertise from all over Germany and great commitment, especially in Schwerin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. This exemplary cooperation between many experts and the local population and institutions at all levels is a good basis for the preservation of the World Heritage site for future generations and for sustainable management. Both are central tasks that the World Heritage Committee has assigned to the competent authorities in Germany,” explained Germany's Ambassador to UNESCO, Kerstin Pürschel.
On the occasion of the meeting of the World Heritage Committee, the Minister for Science, Culture, Federal and European Affairs of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Bettina Martin, travelled to New Delhi with a small delegation so as to personally acknowledge this important moment. Her commitment and the support of numerous experts and local institutions contributed significantly to the successful inscription.
