Within a few days, palaces of King Ludwig II of Bavaria can be added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. Along with 31 other sites around the world, Neushavenstein Castle, Linderhof Palace, The King’s House on Schchen, and Heranechimsy Palace Complex are nominated. Decisions will be taken in the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris (which ends on 16 July 2025).
Now for ten years, King Ludwig II’s Bavarian palaces have topped Germany’s wishlist for new additions. High from the edge of the Alps, Neshwanstein Castle is one of the most famous buildings in Germany. With many of its towers, it seems something out of a fairy tale. This “Dream in Stone” attracts more than 1 million visitors around the world every year.
Construction began in 1869 at the Commission, Neushavanstein Castle by King Ludwig II of Bavaria (1845–1886). The purpose of the origin was as a private residence for the king, it was never fulfilled. This picturesque palace owned by the federal state of Bavaria is very famous for its pomp -pomp interior design.
Many German World Heritage Sites
From Aachen Cathedral to Geolvarin Cole Mine Industrial Complex, already 50 German World Heritage Sites were listed in the 1970s, when UNESCO passed the World Heritage Convention. At that time the catalyst was the disadvantage of cultural artifacts during World War II. However, the decisive factor was the construction of the Aswan High Dam by the Egyptian government in the 1960s, flooding the world famous temples of Abu Simbel. The agreement, which has been confirmed by around 195 countries, has been tasked to protect cultural and natural sites of universal value. Currently, there are 1,223 world heritage sites, 952 of which are cultural heritage and 231 natural heritage.
The World Heritage Committee’s approach is far ahead of Germany. This year, a total of 32 cultural sites from countries around the world have been nominated, including: the ancient Khutal region in Tajikistan, the Caribbean Underwater City Port Royal in Jamaica, the modernist center of Gadinia in Poland and the memorial site for the victims of Khmer Roose in Cambodia.
Indian fort soon to be a world heritage site?
India has nominated a contingent of artists of the ancient fort to be a world heritage site. Thesis influential palace located in the states of Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu represents the military power of the Maratha Empire, which controlled large parts of the Indian subcontinent from 17th to 19th century.
Among other sites, the United Arab Emirates has nominated Faya Palayolandscape as a notable example of the desert landscape of a Stone Age. South Korea presented the decochen stream to Petroglyphs, which is mysterious pre-historic rock engraving. Russia opted for rock painting in the Shulgan-Tesh cave in the southern Ural mountain, which is more than 20,000 years old. And China presented the western Zia royal tombs as an example of cultural heritage from the Tangut civilization and one of the world’s largest necropolis.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site list currently consists of 1,223 cultural and natural heritage sites in 168 countries, of which 56 are at risk of destruction. The ranking worldwide is completed with widespread criticism, especially in scientific circles. In the hall, as a Christoff Bron of Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology, “How can this type of ranking ever happen?”
UNESCO rankings face criticism
Anthropologist and World Heritage Specialist Brumon has questioned the process of making decisions citing his research of the World Heritage Site designation for the affected sector. The most common effect is mass tourism. “The local population may benefit from this, but often, many times, negative results beating positive people,” Bron is quoted in the Maxplankar search science magazine. Its book “Best we share: Nation, Culture and UNESCO Building World Heritage Region in the world” What was published in 2021.
The World Heritage Committee, the World Heritage Convention included the elected representatives from the states states, so they would discuss the increasing threat to the existing World Heritage Sites in Paris. Search as dangers coming from armed conflicts in Ukraine and Middle East, or from natural disasters, environmental pollution, illegal or uncontrolled tourism. According to a recent study by UNESCO and World Resources Institute, water scarcity and floods are currently a major threat to about three quarters of all world heritage sites.
One of the five sites is a water scarcity and plaster in a cycle of floods. This included the Taj Mahal in India, which is at risk of sinking due to a decline in groundwater level. After the massive floods in 2022, the Yelostone National Park in the US had to shut down. According to reports, the infrastructure reconstruction will cost more than $ 20 million (€ 17 million). The most affected areas are Middle East, North Africa, parts of South Asia and North China.
Meanwhile, in Bavaria, the decisions made in Paris are eagerly awaited at Noshavanstein Castle. If the palace is recognized as the World Heritage Site, it will probably attract more tourists. The borean administration of palaces can find more important, however, it is recognized worldwide that will come with the award.
This article was original in German.
