Two cultural monuments in Saxony have cleared a hurdle on their path to becoming UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Torgau Castle Chapel and the Niederzwönitz Paper Mill received confirmation from the World Heritage Center in Paris that they have the potential to earn the title, according to a statement from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Historic Preservation in Dresden. The successfully completed preliminary review is a necessary step in the application process. The Torgau Castle Chapel in northern Saxony is a significant testament to the Reformation’s influence on church architecture and church music. It was consecrated in 1544 by Martin Luther himself—the only church ever to receive such an honor. The paper mill in Niederzwönitz in the Ore Mountains is Germany’s oldest surviving paper mill. First mentioned in a document in 1568, it remains operational to this day. The Niederzwönitz paper mill is part of a joint application by five historic paper mills from the Czech Republic, Poland, Spain, and Germany titled “European Paper Mills,” led by Poland. Copyright 2026, dpa (www.dpa.de). All rights reserved
