EU price for Spitz: Historical church tower roof shines after successful renovation!

EU price for Spitz: Historical 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 price of the European Union and Europe Nostra for monument conservation. This honor was announced on June 12, 2025 and underlines the outstanding performance in the restoration of the roof, which is dated to the year around 1505. The roof is considered the only fully preserved example of its kind from this era in Austria and is a central part of the UNESCO World Heritage Landscape Wachau. The parish church has thus shaped the landscape of this region for centuries.

The award recognizes the extensive restoration work that was necessary after storm damage in 2020. The project was carried out at a high technical level and included close cooperation between monument protection, science and various craft areas. Particular attention was paid to the production of a "brick book", which documents all 8,000 historical bricks to ensure the authenticity and structural integrity of the roof.

restoration and innovative techniques

Around 80 percent of the original roof tiles were preserved. Around 2,000 replacement tiles were made for the preservation according to medieval templates by experienced building ceramics. An innovative, invisible ventilation system was integrated to protect the historical building fabric and to improve the durability of the roof. A multi -stage approach was used in the restoration, which united scientific knowledge and modern craft. Techniques such as photogrammetry, dendrochronology and archival analyzes were used to precisely record and restore the original condition of the roof.

The prize jury praised the project as a successful combination of professional competence and local commitment. It shows an example of how the active inclusion of the community and the promotion by various partners, including the Federal Monument Office and Local Associations, can be preserved.

meaning of monument conservation

monument preservation plays a central role in the preservation of history and identity by ensuring the protection and preservation of monuments and cultural assets. Their goals are the preservation of cultural identity, promoting understanding for history and ensuring the cultural heritage for future generations. The Charter of Venice from 1964 defines ethical principles for the restoration of monuments and emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach in monument conservation.

The challenges in monument preservation are diverse: From environmental impacts such as climate change to financial bottlenecks for restoration projects, experts must take numerous aspects into account. The use of the latest 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 the high importance of monument conservation in Europe. The commitment to the preservation of 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 monument conservation in Europe, visit Kleine Zeitung , OTS and Romoe .