Nearly 700 sites featured at Open Monument Day in Saxony

On Open Monument Day this Sunday, Saxony plans to showcase its wealth of historic buildings. 689 sites in the Free State are listed as places to visit by the German Foundation for Monument Protection. These include well-known landmarks, as well as many buildings that are not normally open to the public. Guided tours are offered in many places.

Main event at the Goldener Löwe in Hainichen

The main event for Saxony will take place at the Goldener Löwe in Hainichen. In the district of Central Saxony alone, about 50 sites can be visited. These include, among others, the Alte Försterei Naundorf (Bobritzsch-Hilbersdorf), the Bachmühle in the Steina district of Hartha, the historic ore-washing plant in Halsbrücke, the water tower in Freiberg, and the train station in the Amerika district of Penig.

Children’s and Youth Heritage Award to Be Presented

The Mittelsachsen district is marking the day by honoring individuals who are committed to historic preservation. In Hainichen, the Children’s and Youth Heritage Award from the State Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development will also be presented. It honors the commitment of students who participated in the “PEGASUS – Schools Adopt Historic Sites” project.

Historic Sites That Have Connected People

Open Monument Day has been held since 1993 and is coordinated nationwide by the German Foundation for Monument Protection. This year’s theme is “NetzWERKE: Monuments & Infrastructure.” The focus is primarily on historic sites that have connected people or shaped social life.

These include, for example, mills, mining facilities, schools, transportation routes, and other technical monuments. “At the same time, the theme highlights the networks of people who are working together to preserve historic sites,” the Mittelsachsen District Office stated. 

More than 6,500 monuments nationwide registered for the event

Nationwide, more than 6,500 monuments had already been registered for the event in the run-up to it. According to the German Foundation for Monument Preservation, it is the largest cultural event in the country. 

“Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime fan, alone or with the whole family, Open Monument Day offers everyone interested the opportunity to explore the historical surroundings or traditional crafts and to strike up a conversation with the locals. There’s no need to be shy here,” explained Sarah Wiechers of the German Foundation for Monument Protection.