Lübeck's world cultural heritage facing decline: 350 million euros needed!

Lübeck's world cultural heritage facing decline: 350 million euros needed!

If you look at Lübeck's old town, it quickly becomes clear that history and the present are interwoven in a fascinating way. The old town, which has been recognized by UNESCO as the first world cultural heritage site in Northern Europe since 1987, is particularly impressive with its striking city skyline and the well-preserved pre-industrial buildings. This unique setting is not only a characteristic feature of Lübeck, but also contributes to the cultural identity of the entire Baltic Sea region. But there are potholes lurking behind the beautiful facade - and not just in the literal sense.

More and more historical buildings are in a dilapidated condition and the need for investment increases dramatically every year. The city of Lübeck estimates the costs for the renovation of its most important projects to be over 350 million euros. The best-known example is the Lübeck town hall, a magnificent brick Gothic building that is in a precarious condition. The steel beams in the foundation are already so badly corroded that they urgently need to be replaced, which would cost 22.5 million euros. The Sankt Annen Museum Quarter, which houses an impressive 100,000 works of art, is also struggling with serious problems - the roof is leaking and is threatening the valuable art objects with mold growth. Around 29 million euros are needed for the repairs.

The challenge of renovation

Despite the high amounts, the Lübeck theater is another problem child. Tiles are falling from the roof and the estimate for the basic renovation is around 217 million euros. The theater can only be kept operational through emergency measures. The city is facing major challenges, not only with the historic buildings, but also with regard to the schools in Schleswig-Holstein, for which there is a need for investment of around 1.5 billion euros. Lübeck's mayor has announced a budget deficit of over 160 million euros, which doesn't exactly make the situation any easier.

Another problem is the rising costs of craftsmen, which place a considerable burden on projects. Party funding support could come from the 80 foundations in Lübeck, but these funds are not enough to cover the total costs. It is a delicate undertaking that requires both financial and planning foresight.

Cultural heritage and archaeological treasures

The great importance of Lübeck as a cultural site is underpinned not only by the historical architecture, but also by the archaeological underground. The city is an exemplary example of the Hanseatic city family and offers valuable insights into the settlement history. Founded in 1143, Lübeck today shows enormous economic and social differentiation, which is particularly visible in the arrangement of offices and residential buildings of wealthy merchants in the west and small businesses in the east.

Overall, Lübeck's UNESCO-protected old town has not only architectural, but also cultural and historical value. The UNESCO-protected area includes many important buildings, including the Lübeck town hall, the castle monastery, the Jacob's Church and the salt warehouses on the left bank of the Trave. The challenge of preserving these treasures is enormous, but it is crucial to securing Lübeck's identity and history for future generations. The current situation impressively shows how important investments are in the renovation and maintenance of these cultural pearls in order to ensure a lively exchange with history in the future.

At a time when cultural exchange and the preservation of history are becoming increasingly important, Lübeck must now show a good hand in order to secure its world heritage for the future. Ndr.de informs that the city has numerous projects in mind to meet these challenges and further promote Lübeck's heritage.

Let's take a look at Schleswig-Holstein: There, too, there are similar problems with listed buildings, as in Kiel and Flensburg. Historic buildings are not only a sign of identity, but also a cost factor. The question of whether there should be an entrance fee for churches in order to cover the increasing maintenance costs is being actively discussed - Lübeck's St. Mary's Church is also struggling with financial difficulties. Luebeck.de emphasizes that the old town is important not only for the present, but also for future generations. Time is of the essence and it is up to Lübeck to take the right steps.

Lübeck's heritage is valuable, and preserving these treasures is a task that concerns all citizens and decision-makers in the city - for a sustainable and future-oriented cultural policy. Schleswig-holstein.de concludes with the hope that Lübeck can successfully pursue this path.