EU Prize for Spitz: Historic church tower roof shines after successful renovation!

EU Prize for Spitz: Historic church tower roof shines after successful renovation!

The polychrome covered tower roof of the late Gothic parish church of St. Mauritius in Spitz an der Donau was awarded the prestigious European Union and Europa Nostra Prize for monument preservation. This honor was announced on June 12, 2025 and highlights the outstanding achievements in the restoration of the roof, which dates back to around 1505. The roof is considered the only completely preserved example of its kind from this era in Austria and is a central part of the Wachau Cultural Landscape UNESCO World Heritage Site. The parish church has shaped the landscape of this region for centuries.

The award recognizes the extensive restoration work that became necessary following storm damage in 2020. The project was carried out at a high technical level and involved close cooperation between monument protection, science and various craft sectors. Particular attention was paid to producing a “tile book” that documents all 8,000 historic tiles to ensure the authenticity and structural integrity of the roof.

Restoration and innovative techniques

Around 80 percent of the original roof tiles were preserved. For preservation, around 2,000 replacement bricks were made by experienced architectural ceramicists based on medieval models. An innovative, invisible ventilation system was integrated to protect the historic building fabric and improve the longevity of the roof. The restoration used a multi-stage approach that combined scientific knowledge and modern craftsmanship. Techniques such as photogrammetry, dendrochronology and archival analysis were used to accurately capture and restore the roof's original condition.

The prize jury praised the project as a successful combination of technical expertise and local commitment. It exemplifies how a cultural heritage can be preserved through the active involvement of the community and the support of various partners, including the Federal Monuments Office and local associations.

Importance of monument preservation

Monument preservation plays a central role in preserving history and identity by ensuring the protection and preservation of monuments and cultural assets. Its goals are to preserve cultural identity, promote understanding of history and ensure cultural heritage for future generations. The Venice Charter of 1964 sets out ethical principles for the restoration of monuments and emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to monument conservation.

The challenges in monument preservation are diverse: From environmental impacts such as climate change to financial bottlenecks for restoration projects, experts have to take numerous aspects into account. The use of cutting-edge technologies and the development of sustainable restoration materials are crucial to meet the challenges of the future.

Overall, the award for the roof of the parish church of St. Mauritius in Spitz shows the enormous potential and great importance of monument preservation in Europe. The commitment to preserving young and old cultural assets is an essential part of our cultural identity.

For more information about the European Heritage Awards and the importance of heritage preservation in Europe, visit Small newspaper, OTS and Romoe.