Preziener Wehr set to acquire UNESCO World Heritage status by 2034

Magdeburg's Pretziener Dam and Theater in the Spotlight

In the heart of Germany, the city of Magdeburg is making headlines for two of its historic landmarks – the Pretziener Dam and its renowned theater.

First, let's delve into the Pretziener Dam. Constructed between 1871 and 1875, this colossal sluice dam stretches an impressive 160 meters, making it the largest operational dam of its kind in Europe. Over the years, it has been opened a total of 64 times, most recently during the winter flood of 2023/24. The dam was added to the proposal list for new World Heritage sites by the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Federal States two years ago.

Now, let's turn our attention to Magdeburg's theater. The city council has made a significant decision, choosing to keep theater director Chavaz in his position. This institution, which received the prestigious title of Theater of the Year, is now set to create a theater piece about Tokio Hotel.

But that's not all. In a bid to further cement its cultural significance, Magdeburg is planning to create a first dossier for the nomination process for the World Heritage title by late summer 2027. The institution responsible for evaluating whether the Pretziener Dam meets the criteria for World Heritage nomination is the German Commission for UNESCO.

The theater, restored in a historically accurate manner in 2010 and currently in good condition, stands as a testament to Magdeburg's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage. With the Pretziener Dam also in the running for World Heritage status, the city is poised to become a beacon of cultural tourism in Germany.

As these developments unfold, Magdeburg's Pretziener Dam and theater continue to captivate, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity that draws visitors from far and wide.