Cisterscapes Network Celebrates Cistercian Heritage with Community Events
The Cisterscapes Connecting Europe network recently organized a series of events aimed at celebrating and promoting Cistercian heritage across several locations. These activities included the opening of the Ebrach landscape model, the establishment of the EHL information centre, and various educational programs designed to engage the community.
The series began on September 21, 2024, with the opening of the Ebrach landscape model. This closed event featured District Administrator Kalb and Mayor Vinzenz among the invited guests. The evening included a concert by Kellerkommando, which was open to the public.
The following day, September 22, the EHL information centre was officially opened as part of the Ebrach Enjoyment Day. During this event, the EHL seal of approval was presented to representatives from partner sites. The day also featured a program that included medieval cuisine and a children’s activity titled “Discover the Monastery Landscape,” aimed at educating younger visitors about Cistercian history.
On September 27, a visitation tour took place at Rein Abbey, where the EHL seal was officially handed over. This event included a press conference and a medieval meal prepared in collaboration with the Culinary Heritage Creative Europe project. Approximately 100 guests attended, including representatives from various sectors, highlighting the collaborative effort to promote Cistercian heritage.
The following day, September 28, Rein Abbey hosted a public event focused on culture and cuisine. This open event featured cooking demonstrations, hands-on activities for children, art-historical tours, and live music, providing attendees with an interactive experience of Cistercian cultural heritage.
The network’s educational focus continued with a visitation tour to Kostanjevica na Krki on September 30, which included the launch of the Cistercian Way program for schools. This initiative aimed to provide students with insights into the history and values of the Cistercian order. Another visitation tour took place at Stična on October 1, furthering the educational outreach efforts aimed at younger audiences.
On October 4-5, the Cistercian Way guided tour commenced at Abbey Zwettl, featuring an enquete titled “Landscape: Created – Formed – Believed.” Speakers included Dr. Iris Haslinger and Kräuterpfarrer Benedikt Felsinger from Abbey Geras, who discussed the historical significance of Cistercian landscapes.
The series of events concluded with the Zisterzienser-Market Koppenwind on October 13, which featured an information booth on the Cisterscapes Connecting Europe project. Following this, the EHL ceremony in Waldsassen took place from October 17-19, presenting the Cistercian legacy through a light show and an introduction to the project, highlighting the ongoing relevance of Cistercian monastic life.
Cisterscapes – Cistercian Landscapes Connecting Europe was awarded the European Heritage Label in 2023.