Publications
History in the Making: The Recognition of Moravian Church Settlements as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Its Implications for Research in Moravian Studies
On July 26, 2024, the Moravian Church Settlements—a transnational site comprising Bethlehem (Pennsylvania), Christiansfeld (Denmark), Gracehill (Northern Ireland), and Herrnhut (Germany)—were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition marks a significant milestone in Moravian Studies, offering new avenues for research while emphasizing the need to understand the site's conceptual framework from a World Heritage perspective. The study highlights the implications of this designation, which includes opportunities for interdisciplinary research, preservation challenges, and the broader cultural significance of these settlements. By analyzing the historical, architectural, and social dimensions of the Moravian Church Settlements, this work provides a foundation for future scholarly exploration in this field.
Herrnhut
Herrnhut, founded in 1722 by three Moravian families on the estate of Count Nikolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf, emerged as a pivotal settlement that defied religious regulations while fostering a transatlantic movement. This study reveals how Herrnhut strategically positioned itself as a 'Philadelphian community,' uniting diverse Christians under the guise of Lutheran affiliation and the renewed Unity of Brethren, despite its separatist roots. Through meticulous archival analysis of documents from Germany and the United States, the research uncovers Count Zinzendorf's instrumental role in shielding Herrnhut from state church oversight, providing a fresh perspective on the Moravian Church's evolution. This work offers unprecedented insights into 18th-century religious dynamics, Pietism, and Moravian history.
Pravěké osídlení v okolí velkomoravského kostela ve Starém Městě – „Špitálkách“
New excavation at the Staré Město – 'Špitálky' site, near a Great Moravian church, revealed intensive prehistoric occupation north of the church's foundations. Despite no continuation of the ecclesiastical area or cemetery in this direction, two graves were uncovered: one from the final phase of the Corded Ware culture and another likely from the Urnfield culture (UFC). The study highlights the site's significance for understanding settlement structures during different prehistoric periods, including the Moravian Painted Ware culture (MPWC) and UFC. This research builds on earlier excavations (1949–1950), providing fresh insights into the region's complex archaeological history.
You are here:
World Heritage Explorer > World Heritage Research > World Heritage Sites > Moravian Church Settlements