European Heritage comes to life in the Loccum Monastic Landscape
On 9 May 2026, the Loccum Monastic Landscape in Germany officially celebrated the unveiling of the European Heritage Label awarded to the transnational network “Cisterscapes – Cistercian Landscapes Connecting Europe.” The ceremony brought together around 50 participants to mark this important recognition of a shared European heritage shaped by centuries of cultural exchange, spirituality and landscape transformation.
The Cisterscapes network connects 17 Cistercian monastic landscapes across Germany, Poland, Austria, Slovenia and the Czech Republic. Awarded the European Heritage Label in 2024, the initiative highlights the lasting impact of the Cistercian Order on Europe’s cultural, social and environmental development.
Founded in 1163, Loccum Monastery is considered one of the best-preserved Cistercian monasteries north of the Alps. The surrounding landscape still bears clear traces of the monastic order’s influence, reflecting how the Cistercians shaped agriculture, architecture, water management and regional organisation across Europe.
During the event, representatives from the Church, local authorities and regional institutions emphasised the importance of European cooperation and shared cultural roots in strengthening connections across borders today.
The celebration extended beyond the official unveiling ceremony. Visitors were invited to explore the approximately seven-kilometre “Small Monastic Landscape Trail”, designed to immerse participants in the history and heritage of the area. Through guided tours, a digital interactive activity and a stamp collection initiative, the event transformed the landscape into a living cultural experience accessible to all generations.
The initiative demonstrated how European heritage can be communicated in dynamic and participatory ways, connecting local landscapes to broader European narratives and making history tangible for contemporary audiences.
As part of the wider Cisterscapes network, Loccum continues to showcase how cultural heritage can strengthen European identity while promoting dialogue, sustainability and cross-border collaboration.