Tag des Denkmals - European Heritage Day
By the Water – Ships, Mills, Bridges, Fountains
Tag des Denkmals (Monument Day) is Austria’s contribution to the European Heritage Days, which were founded in
1991 upon the initiative of the Council of Europe in co-operation of the European Union. The European Heritage Days aim
at heightening awareness of the diversity and value of the cultural heritage. In Austria, the event is organised by the
Bundesdenkmalamt (Federal Office for the Care of Monuments).
On Tag des Denkmals, previously little-known monuments are made publicly accessible and special guided tours
are offered to allow new insights into more well-known monuments. This also includes issues of conservation and current
restoration projects.
For 2006, “By the Water” was selected as focal topic. The range of objects includes historical waterways with
ships, bridges, locks and canals as well as the large municipal drinking-water supply systems with their aqueducts and
impressive below-ground water cisterns. The power of water is demonstrated by numerous romantic old grain, saw and
hammer mills, as well as a number of power stations with remarkable historical examples from the early 20th century.
The belief in the mysterious therapeutic effects of water is reflected by the cult-like veneration of
miraculous springs above which chapels and churches were erected. The design of more modern “temples of health” such as
spas and swimming pools often illustrates by its expensive architecture the great healthcare significance attributed to
water.
In the shape of fountains, cascades and trick fountains, water is an important aesthetic design
element for urban free spaces as well as for elitist aristocratic parks and gardens. The exciting programme is
completed by a number of pertinent museums offering special events on Tag des Denkmals.
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