Cologne cathedral may lose UN status in skyscraper row

[emad]

Krysia Diver
Friday July 15, 2005
The Guardian

One of the Europe's most spectacular cathedrals faces being stripped of its world heritage title unless city planners withdraw plans to build skyscrapers nearby.

Although the gothic spires of Cologne cathedral are among the world's most treasured historic gems, Unesco chiefs have given the city an ultimatum: either cancel plans to build three further 30-storey blocks, or the building loses its prestigious status.

Last year, Unesco put the cathedral on its red-alert list of endangered world heritage sites, in response to plans to build the high-rise buildings near the cathedral.

At a committee meeting in Durban, South Africa, this week, the UN body went a step further by giving Cologne a year to scrap plans to complete the buildings. Unesco argues that the office blocks could spoil the dramatic views of the "endangered" site on the banks of the Rhine.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/germany/article/0,2763,1529072,00.html

[getmeouttahere]

1. Wow, I guess I misjudged the Europeans in this area....

and the value they place on history/heritage. One of the things that makes Europe so amazing, in my view, is the beauty of its architecture, and the respect and reverance given to history. It should be a no-brainer to protect a great cathedral like this.

[muriel_volestrangler]

2. Sounds like Cologne may have a point, to me

"The high-rise buildings will be more than a kilometre away on the other side of the river. The classic view on the left side of the river bank will not be touched."