Speyer as a city monument: Pressure on the city council to make a decision is growing!

Speyer as a city monument: Pressure on the city council to make a decision is growing!

In Speyer, one of the oldest cities in Germany, a lot is currently happening in the area of ​​monument protection. The historic old town was designated as a “city monument” by the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage Rhineland-Palatinate (GDKE), which makes this region the largest and densest monument area in Rhineland-Palatinate. There is a lot going on that affects both the history and future of the city. Again MRN News reported, the topic caused some excitement in the city council on February 14, 2026.

In 2022, the city council voted with a narrow majority of 19:15 to examine the monument's worthiness. But the designation as a city monument came surprisingly quickly, without the city council being invited to a new voting process. This has raised many questions, particularly about the city council's role in GDKE's decision-making. A special meeting on February 2, 2026 will be aimed at clarifying these and other questions.

Advantages and challenges

The decision to designate Speyer as a city monument brings with it some economic advantages. Future structural changes could be implemented more easily since monument permits are in many cases free of charge. Owners can also benefit from tax depreciation options that cover up to 100% of the costs of renovations. This could be particularly attractive for rented properties. Regarding the current situation, she notes City of Speyer states that the old town statute has been in force since 1975 and that minor structural changes usually require building applications for a fee.

However, not all voices are euphoric. There are concerns that additional protections could make construction and development projects more difficult. The Speyer group of voters particularly emphasizes the importance of transparency, local self-determination and honesty in the process. The focus is on questions about the participation and reliability of GDKE and the city board. The group of voters also questions whether monument protection is really not paralyzing and whether the promised simplifications in structural measures will actually occur.

Historical significance and outlook

Speyer's historical heritage, in particular the ShUM sites with the impressive cathedral and the Jewish heritage, are not only part of the city's history, but also contribute significantly to the international cultural heritage. In its research, the University of Berlin describes the handling of cultural legacies as a social and political process that is characterized by the interaction between people, spaces and objects. This perspective also influences the discussion about monument protection in Speyer and the question of how the city can preserve its identity.

In order to discuss the pending questions and concerns, the GDKE will present the results of the study on monument worthiness to the Committee for Urban Development, Building and Transport on October 28, 2025. The results will finally be discussed in the city council on January 29, 2026. The developments in Speyer are an example of how important the dialogue between administration, politics and citizens is in order to find the balance between the preservation of historical heritage and contemporary urban development. Questions and suggestions can be found at stadtdenkmal@stadt-speyer.de be addressed to the city.