UNESCO World Heritage

The ShUM sites in Worms, along with Speyer and Mainz, are part of the cultural heritage of the Jewish community in Germany. Worms is the oldest surviving Jewish community in Germany, with the important 11th-century Worms Synagogue and one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in Europe.
The Jewish cemetery in Worms is truly a fascinating and historically significant place. It was founded in 1076 and is considered one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in Europe. Covering an area of approximately 2.5 hectares and surrounded by a wall, it offers a special atmosphere that attracts many visitors. The gravestones, or ‘matzevot’, are often artistically designed and bear Hebrew inscriptions that reveal a great deal about the deceased and their life stories. Of particular note is the grave of Rabbi Meir ben Baruch, the Maharam of Worms, who is considered one of the most important Jewish scholars of the 12th century.

Lorsch Abbey is an important UNESCO World Heritage Site in Germany and an outstanding example of Carolingian architecture. Founded in the 8th century, it played a central role in medieval monastic life. The impressive remains, especially the Romanesque gatehouse, also known as the ‘Lorsch Gate’, bear witness to its former splendour. The monastery was not only a place of prayer, but also a centre for education and culture, where many manuscripts were copied and preserved. Today, visitors can explore the historic site and admire the impressive architecture, which offers a fascinating insight into life in the Middle Ages. A visit to the monastery is an opportunity to experience the beauty and richness of history.

The Mathildenhöhe in Darmstadt is an important cultural and architectural monument known for its role in the Art Nouveau movement. Founded at the end of the 19th century, the artists' colony attracted many creative minds who implemented innovative ideas. A striking feature is the Wedding Tower, built in 1908 and considered a landmark of the city. A visit to Mathildenhöhe not only offers an insight into the past, but also the opportunity to enjoy the harmonious combination of art, architecture and nature.

The Messel Pit (website German only) in Hesse is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important fossil sites in the world. Around 47 million years ago, a volcanic maar lake formed here, in which numerous fossils of animals and plants from the Eocene epoch have been preserved. Particularly noteworthy are the finds of early mammals, birds and fish. The Messel Pit is not only a valuable geoscientific research centre, but also an outstanding example of the preservation of geological and biological history. It provides researchers with unique insights into the evolution of animal species and the development of the Earth. Today, the Messel Pit also serves as an information centre for visitors, who can learn a great deal about the formation of fossils and the geological history of the region on guided tours.

Maulbronn Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an outstanding example of medieval monastic architecture, founded in the 12th century by Cistercian monks in Baden-Württemberg. It features well-preserved buildings, including the Romanesque church and cloister, which offer insights into the monks' lives. The architecture embodies the Cistercian ideals of simplicity and functionality, while ornate details reflect the craftsmanship of the time. Today, the monastery attracts tourists and history buffs who want to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and historical significance of the place.

Baden-Baden is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site ‘Bäderviertel’ (spa district), which is famous for its historic thermal baths and associated spa tradition. The city was already famous as a spa resort in ancient times and attracted numerous aristocrats and artists in the 19th century. Particularly noteworthy are the Friedrichsbad and the Caracalla Spa, which date back to Roman times. The spa district is a unique example of the development of health resorts in Europe and shows how the culture of bathing and relaxation has become intertwined with architecture and society over time. The gentle integration of the buildings into the natural landscape of the Black Forest and the preservation of the historical structures make the spa district an important cultural heritage site that fascinates both those seeking relaxation and those interested in culture.