Speyer in the spotlight: Day of the open monument invites you to discover

Speyer in the spotlight: Day of the open monument invites you to discover

A special day is imminent: The day of the open monument is inaugurated this year in Rhineland-Palatinate, especially in the historic cathedral city of Speyer. On Sunday, September 8th, the doors open to more than 5,000 monuments across Germany and invite citizens to an exciting journey of discovery into the past.

with a focus on this year's motto «Truthable. Contemporary witnesses in history »a special connection to architecture and culture is created. The UNESCO-protected cathedral of Speyer, as one of the most famous landmarks, impressively shows the role that such monuments play for society. They are not only monuments, but also supports of stories and traditions.

an impulsive decision for Speyer

This year the election was hit on Speyer, which is a rarity, since it is only the second election of the German Foundation for Monument Protection (DSD) for a city in Rhineland-Palatinate after 2011. The DSD board member Steffen Skinkelny explained that the multifaceted legacy of the monuments in Speyer convinced the jury. The city can look back on a history of over two thousands, which remains alive in its approximately 420 protected individual monuments and other natural and ground monuments.

The attractiveness of Speyer is not only determined by historical sites, but also by their lively cultural events. This includes the annual big open-air festival, which not only attracts those interested in history and architecture, but also families and curious people who want to use the day to learn more about the sites and their meaning.

State Interior Minister Michael Ebling (SPD) emphasizes the radiance of monuments, describes it as places of pause and learning, which address everyone, regardless of whether it is an impressive castle, a magnificent castle, a venerable church or a simple farm. History becomes tangible in these rooms and learning.

The opening day is opened with an entertaining stage program on Maximilianstrasse in front of the “Alte Münz” at 11:00 a.m. Visitors can look forward to a diverse supporting program, including a “market of possibilities”. In addition, there will be the opportunity to look behind the scenes. Among other things, insights into the historic Altpörtel as well as a showcase in the cathedral and the Trinity Church are planned.

The roots of the day of the open monument are in France, where the event was first launched in 1984. The introduction of the European Heritage Day by the Council of Europe followed in 1985, and in 1993 the first German day of remembrance was implemented. This year, the event would again like to raise awareness of the value and meaning of monuments that act as contemporary witnesses in the cultural history of humanity.