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Nominations of Cultural Properties to the World Heritage List (The Town Hall and Roland on the Marketplace of Bremen)

Document type
Decision
Reference number
14B.50
Date
Jun 28, 2004
Source
UNEP, InforMEA
Status
Active
Subject
Wild species & ecosystems
Treaty
Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (Nov 23, 1972)
Meeting
28e session du Comité
Website
whc.unesco.org
Abstract

The World Heritage Committee,


1. Inscribes The Town Hall and Roland on the Marketplace of Bremen, Germany, on the World Heritage List on the basis of cultural criteria (iii), (iv) and (vi):


Criterion (iii): The Bremen Town Hall and Roland bear an exceptional testimony to the civic autonomy and sovereignty, as these developed in the Holy Roman Empire.


Criterion (iv): The Bremen Town Hall and Roland is an outstanding ensemble representing civic autonomy and market freedom. The town hall represents the medieval Saalgeschossbau-type of hall construction, as well as being an outstanding example of the so-called Weser Renaissance in Northern Germany. The Bremen Roland is the most representative and one of the oldest of Roland
statues erected as a symbol of market rights and freedom.


Criterion (vi): The ensemble of the town hall and Roland of Bremen with its symbolism is directly associated with the development of the ideas of civic autonomy and market freedom in the Holy Roman Empire. The Bremen Roland
is referred to a historical figure, paladin of Charlemagne, who became the source for the French ‘chanson de geste’ and other medieval and Renaissance epic poetry.


2. Recommends that the State Party consider linking the property with similar World Heritage properties in a possible serial renomination.