Title: Celebrating Ten Remarkable Conservation Efforts with the Hessian Heritage Preservation Award
Ministry Official Timon Gremmels, representing the SPD party as Hessian Minister of Culture, recently recognized ten outstanding preservation projects with the Heritage Protection Prize 2024. These initiatives, worth a collective 34,500 euros, have significantly improved historical landmarks and enriched their respective communities, said Gremmels. He added, "Each of these projects exemplifies how our cultural heritage can flourish with dedicated action."
The winner in the "Living in a Monument" category was Frankfurt's 1955 construction, "Zum goldenen Rad," on Römerberg. According to the esteemed jury, this revitalized building provided a crucial example of embracing post-war architecture, often undervalued in public opinion. Meanwhile, Hofgut Schmitte in Biebertal, Gießen district, won first prize in the "Transforming and Revitalizing" category, having undergone an impressive restoration of its 15th-century mill complex within a thoughtful urban planning framework.
The "Castle and Palace" category saw Burgruine Wallrabenstein in Hünstetten, Rheingau-Taunus district, secure the first place. The tireless couple who renovated this 14th-century ruin were rightfully commended, while the Rotes Schloss tower extension in Tann, Rhön, took second place in this category.
The Hessen State Chancellery provided the 7,500 euro prize for the honorary award, awarded alongside a prize of 2,500 euros each to: "Livable Seligenstadt Old Town," "Cultural Monument Point Alpha," a former US observation tower at the inner-German border, and the Ludwigs-Tempel in Darmstadt.
Initiated by the State Office for Heritage Preservation and Lotto Hessen GmbH in 1986, the Hessian Heritage Protection Prize is now in its 39th year of recognition. The primary financial backer for this year's prize, worth 27,000 euros, was Lotto Hessen.
Notable Projects:
- The tireless work of a couple led to the successful restoration of the 14th-century Burgruine Wallrabenstein in Hünstetten, Rheingau-Taunus district (Castle and Palace category).
- Alongside this, the Rotes Schloss tower extension in Tann, Rhön, secured second place in the Castle and Palace category.
Additional Insights:
- Research shows that cultural heritage projects can drive economic growth and community development, enhancing the appeal of a region and encouraging tourism.
