Germany Set to Nominate Regensburg as World Heritage Site
November 22, 2005
Advisors to the culture ministers of Germany's 16 states on Tuesday said the country should propose Regensburg as a UNESCO World Heritage site next year. The ministers' culture commission must still approve the recommendation, but it is unlikely they will decide otherwise.
Founded by the Romans and the seat of the German imperial parliament from 1663 to 1806, Regensburg is often referred to as the most "northern town of Italy," mainly due to the medieval patrician towers that embellish the city skyline.
This image is further enhanced by the city's magnificent location, situated at the northernmost point of the Danube in the midst of small running hills.
The city beat out Heidelberg, which had been the German candidate this year. UNESCO did not honor the city with the title though, instead asking it to rework its bid and reapply.
Each country may only nominate one location yearly. UNESCO will decide on Regensburg's application next year.
Over 30 German sites are on the World Heritage list. They include Cologne's gothic cathedral, the Elbe River Valley in Saxony and the Bauhaus-inspired Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex in Essen.