"Black Book": Foundation laments lost monuments

Excavators instead of renovation, rubble instead of monuments: the German Foundation for Monument Protection deplores the careless demolition of historically significant buildings. In a "black book", the foundation speaks of at least 900 monuments across Germany that were lost in 2023 and 2024 alone. Buildings in Saxony are also affected.

A pile of rubble is all that remains of the Rechenberg hereditary court

The Rechenberg hereditary court in the district of Central Saxony shaped the historic center of the town for more than two centuries in an exposed location opposite the town hall and in the immediate vicinity of the castle ruins. The striking half-timbered building with its steep pitched roof was for a long time an inn and later a hotel. But instead of the impressive hereditary court, there is now an empty space in the middle of the town.

A centerpiece of the town has been lost, according to the report. Years of inadequate maintenance, hesitant action and obviously problematic purchasing decisions were the causes here. It is regrettable that the municipality did not take over the building itself in order to safeguard this important milestone in the town's history for the future. Although the certainly high renovation costs were understandably a hurdle.

Demolition of a Minol petrol station in Zwickau halted

According to conservationists, the Minol petrol station in Zwickau is also affected: in 2023, the city acquired the monument, which is over 80 years old. As part of an infrastructure project, a city center tangent and a new streetcar route are planned across the site of the historic petrol station. According to the Foundation for Monument Protection, partial demolition of the petrol station was started without a permit.

The responsible monument authority intervened and stopped further demolition. The task now is to find out how the monument can be incorporated into the new road and route layouts. It is conceivable that it could be used as a kiosk, workshops or catering facilities.

"A piece of lost memory, identity and culture"

"Every year, many objects are irretrievably lost - and every lost monument is also a piece of lost memory, identity and culture," says the "Black Book". According to the book, before the demolition excavators roll in, owners usually obtain a revocation of monument protection from the authorities or in court. The reasons from the foundation's point of view: monument protection is seen as rigid and expensive. Costs for the preservation of protected buildings are often set too high, while costs for replacement buildings are set too low.

This is what the Stiftung Denkmalschutz

In order to better protect monuments, the foundation is calling for a nationwide inventory of existing buildings and better training for employees in the relevant authorities. Demolition projects and removal from monument lists should also be made public in good time.

The German Foundation for Monument Protection claims to be the largest private initiative for monument protection in Germany. Among other things, it works to preserve endangered monuments with educational school and youth programs and nationwide action days. The foundation finances its work primarily through private grants and donations.