Unlocking the Secrets of the Watered Wonders: The Queich Irrigation System
Embracing the Past, Sustaining the Future
The Palatinate meadows' inclusion as a UNESCO cultural heritage site, nestled along the Queich between Landau and Germersheim, is nothing short of a testament to human ingenuity.
The Magic of Hazelwood and Cool Blue Water
Humbled by the River Queich's natural nutrient deficiency, locals devised a revolutionary solution approximately 500 years ago. This enchanting waterway, which spans a whopping 52 kilometers, served as the foundation for a groundbreaking hydraulic engineering system.
The primary goal was simple: sustain their farming pursuits, even in driest of seasons. And the locals did just that with a creative flair only a few would dare to imagine. By channeling the Queich's modest flow to their would-be harvests, they designed an enduring solution that would eventually earn recognition from the prestigious UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The Beauty of Timeless Artistry
Germany's Minister of the Interior, Michael Ebling, expressed his delight in the UNESCO recognition saying, "Rhineland-Palatinate doesn't just harbor famous historical stone and gold landmarks, but it also preserves unique historical cultural techniques that span the centuries."
Awe-inspiring Wonders of the Queich Valley
The Queich meadows weren't the only UNESCO honorees in the Rhineland-Palatinate—agricultural practices that thrived for ages were celebrated in the UNESCO meeting in Kasane, Botswana. German, Austrian, Swiss, Belgian, Italian, Luxembourgian, and Dutch cultures all lent their wealth of experience to this ancient craft.
The Power of Preservation and Revitalization
Established 27 years ago, the "Queichwiesen Interest Group" was formed with a singular purpose: to safeguard and reactivate the centuries-old Queich Irrigation System. It takes a team to achieve sustainable success, and the Queichwiesen Interest Group is proof of that fact.
Rhineland-Palatinate's Treasure Trove of World Heritage Sites
The beauty of the Queich Irrigation System is rivaled only by the stunning array of other World Heritage Sites that Rhineland-Palatinate boasts:
► Behold the enviable natural springs and fountains that the historic spa district in Bad Ems shepherds.
► The SchUM cities, a heady mix of Speyer, Mainz, and Worms, preserve the rich Jewish heritage of an era long past.
► More than 350 dormant volcanoes form a breathtaking geopark in the Volcanic Eifel, growing stronger over time.
► The Upper Middle Rhine Valley leaves visitors in awe, adorned with vineyards and chateaus that lie side-by-side.
► The Trier amphitheater, a relic of bygone times, was home to gladiatorial battles that shook the Roman Empire.
► Speyer Cathedral, the largest Romanesque church left standing in the world, is a staggering testament to architectural prowess.
► The Lower Germanic-Rhaetian and Upper Germanic Limes stood as a fortress of civilization, established to keep the inimical barbarians at bay.
