Beloved Heritage – Condemned Heritage. About the handling of fortification heritage within the border region Germany-France-Luxembourg

The transborder region of Saar-Lor-Lux, spanning Germany, France, and Luxembourg, boasts over 600 fortified structures that vividly illustrate the evolution of military architecture. A striking contrast emerges in how these fortifications are perceived: while France and Luxembourg cherish them as valuable cultural heritage—with several sites, including Luxembourg's citadel, listed by UNESCO—they face neglect or negative perception in Germany. This study examines this disparity, revealing a missed opportunity for cross-border cultural recognition and tourism development. By analyzing the treatment of fortified heritage across the region, the research identifies potential measures to enhance their preservation and utilization, fostering transnational collaboration.

Reichert-Schick, A., & Eberle, I. (2011). Beloved Heritage – Condemned Heritage. About the handling of fortification heritage within the border region Germany-France-Luxembourg. Revue Géographique de l’Est, 51(1-2). https://doi.org/10.4000/rge.3302