Construction work for Info Centre at Mathildenhöhe can begin - Darmstadt's UNESCO heritage site clears way for new visitor centre after protests
Construction of a long-planned visitor centre at Darmstadt's Mathildenhöhe World Heritage Site can now go ahead. Police cleared the area of protesting activists earlier this week, allowing tree felling to begin. The project, first approved in 2016, aims to improve visitor services and education at the historic location.
The decision to build the visitor centre was made years before Mathildenhöhe gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 2023. Darmstadt's Lord Mayor Hanno Benz (SPD) confirmed that planning began as early as 2016. The centre will serve as a key hub for orientation, cultural programmes, and networking with nearby heritage sites like Grube Messel and Kloster Lorsch.
Protests against the tree-clearing had mostly stayed peaceful. However, authorities intervened after discovering an unfilled propane tank studded with nails on the site. Police removed the remaining activists to ensure safety before work could proceed.
With the area now cleared, preparatory construction is scheduled to start next week. The new facility is designed to enhance the site's appeal, offering better access and educational resources for tourists and locals alike.
The visitor centre will become a central part of Mathildenhöhe's heritage management. Its completion will mark the next step in developing the site's infrastructure since its UNESCO recognition. Hotels and tourism groups have already begun promoting the project as a major attraction for the region.
