03. 08. 10. - 15:00

Vienna row as Graz castle becomes UNESCO World Heritage

A controversial Vienna construction project dominated talks among officials at a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) summit, it has been revealed.

According to Vienna media, UNESCO decision-makers in Brazil were unhappy about the effects the building of Vienna’s new main train station would have on the nearby Belvedere Castle.

Speculation was rife that the construction of a tower could endanger Vienna’s World Heritage status as it would affect the view tens of thousands of tourists enjoy from Belvedere Castle located close to where the new Hauptbahnhof station will open for business in 2012.

Vienna city officials have since said they will lower the height of some of the highest planned buildings.

During its 10-day summit in July, UNESCO chiefs awarded Eggenberg Castle in Graz World Heritage status.

The imperial castle, which was redesigned in the 17th century, was once home to the influential Eggenberg family before the Herberstein dynasty took over. It is now owned by the province of Styria.

UNESCO praised the castle as being an "exceptionally well-preserved example which bears witness (...) to the influence of the late Italian Renaissance and the Baroque period."

Six locations in Mexico, China, Brazil as well as the South Pacific nation of Kiribati and France's Reunion Island were also granted World Heritage status from UNESCO decision-makers during their 10-day summit.

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