- Open House Events in Churches, Booths, and the Chancellor's Office
On September 8th, being Heritage Day, around a thousand intriguing spots will be accessible in North Rhine-Westphalia. The theme for this event is "Eyewitnesses to Time. Eyewitnesses to History." A plethora of historical landmarks can be explored on this day with exclusive guided tours.
Every September, Heritage Day attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors solely in North Rhine-Westphalia, as per the German Monument Conservation Foundation based in Bonn. A multitude of initiatives, churches, authorities, corporations, and private landowners participate in over 200 cities across the state. Castles, farmhouses, gardens, churches, historical factories, and administrative buildings make up this list.
The Velodrome in Bielefeld, the inaugural home of the first Chancellor Konrad Adenauer in Rhondorf close to Bonn, a windmill in Ennigerloh in Münsterland, or the administrative court in Gelsenkirchen, which once served as the main post office, are amongst the sites.
In Herne-Sodingen, a noteworthy small building from 1922 will be the highlight of Heritage Day: "Heike's Kiosk" is a protected monument and still serves as a drinking establishment and public restroom. The German Monument Conservation Foundation acquired this protected building last year.
Several buildings will be showcased during special tours, focusing on specific aspects. Normally, only a limited number of spots are available. "It's wise to verify if registration is necessary," suggested a representative from the Bonn foundation. Registration is necessary in Wuppertal, for instance, as the regional court is participating. Over two tours, visitors can explore unique perspectives: the detention area, an architecturally fascinating courtroom, and the courtroom for trials.
In Lemgo, two children's city tours are scheduled for various historical sites. Here, boys and girls can gather knowledge about the local urban and architectural history.
Other historical sites, such as medieval town halls or ancient Roman ruins, might also offer exclusive guided tours on Heritage Day. Visitors interested in participating in these tours should check with the individual venue for registration requirements.
Those who miss out on booking a guided tour can still explore other 'Other' fascinating locations, like the open-air museums or unique architectural wonders, available for self-guided visits throughout the day.
