Herrnhut gains recognition through Unesco title

Unesco's recognition as a World Heritage Site has brought more international attention to the small Saxon town of Herrnhut. "The demand from visitors from abroad is increasing," says Konrad Fischer, head of the cultural and tourist office. People with a special interest in religious history are coming specifically to the town, which was declared a World Heritage Site almost a year ago as part of the settlements of the Moravian Church.

The town in south-eastern Saxony bears the Unesco seal together with Christiansfeld in Denmark, Bethlehem in the US state of Pennsylvania and Gracehill in Northern Ireland. "The international character does justice to the worldwide spread of the Moravian Church," says Fischer. However, it is a certain challenge to explain to visitors that Herrnhut only makes up a quarter of the transnational World Heritage Site.

Special constellation

"The constellation is special in itself, but for many it is difficult to grasp," says Fischer. The quartet represents a global network of religious planned towns that emerged between 1722 and 1808. They originated in Upper Lusatia, where Protestant religious refugees from Moravia founded a new town under the "Lord's hat". Missionaries later took the plans for the settlement architecture to other countries.

A central square with the church hall and parallel streets and houses in a simple Baroque style characterize the townscape of Herrnhut. This model is reflected in the structure, spatial planning and architecture of more than 30 settlements worldwide.

Manufactory as a magnet for visitors

Before the Unesco award, Herrnhut was already known beyond Germany's borders, says Fischer. The Manufactory of Herrnhut Stars has developed into a magnet for visitors in recent years. The head of tourism assumes that the historical development and special features of the town will increasingly become the focus of a special audience in the future. In Asia, for example in countries such as South Korea and Taiwan, there is a strong interest in German Reformation history.

The World Heritage title is by no means a tourist seal of approval, but rather a Unesco mandate for the protection and preservation of heritage, as well as for education and communication. "We would like to be guided by this," said Fischer. That is why the range of guided tours through the city is to be gradually expanded. In the future, the establishment of a World Heritage Center is planned. In response to the increased visitor interest, an audio guide for Herrnhut has now been developed, which can be used as a digital travel guide via any smartphone with an app.