Zatec Earns UNESCO World Heritage Status: Czech Town Celebrates Cultural Recognition and Economic Opportunities

The historic Czech town of Zatec officially received its certificate of inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List on Saturday, marking a significant milestone two months after the organization’s committee decided to recognize the town and its surrounding hop-growing landscape. Zatec Mayor Radim Laibl, from the ANO party, views the UNESCO listing as a golden opportunity to restore the town’s prominence and cultural significance. However, he acknowledges the need to convince some residents of the town about the importance of this prestigious recognition.

Zatec and its hop-growing landscape embody a centuries-old tradition, and the newly designated UNESCO site comprises two integral parts. The first part encompasses the picturesque landscape with its hop farms, the villages of Trnovany and Steknik, including the centrally located Steknik Castle. The second part encompasses the historic center of Zatec and its 19th-century industrial quarter, boasting the highest concentration of buildings associated with hop processing and trade. The Ohre River seamlessly connects these two parts, making Zatec the first hop-growing landscape globally to receive UNESCO status.

The journey to this esteemed UNESCO nomination spanned several years and was driven by the dedication of proud locals and hop enthusiasts determined to preserve their cultural heritage for future generations. Jaroslav Spicka, director of the Hop and Beer Temple in Zatec, credits the idea of preserving hop warehouses to the local Chmelobrana association. The town’s inclusion on the Czech Republic’s tentative list in 2007 paved the way for meticulous documentation and preparations.

The UNESCO certificate was handed over to Mayor Radim Laibl by Culture Minister Martin Baxa at the Zatec Theatre, where representatives from Chmelobrana were present on stage. Minister Baxa emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating that Zatec now stands alongside iconic sites like Stonehenge or the Acropolis. Zatec is the 17th UNESCO site in the Czech Republic.

Usti Region Governor Jan Schiller highlighted the prestige associated with Zatec’s listing and affirmed the readiness of the Ministry of Culture and the region to provide financial support. The recognition was also welcomed by hop growers, with Michal Kovarik, secretary of the Czech Hop Growers Association, expressing pride in the exceptional quality of hops from Zatec.

Despite the international appreciation for the UNESCO inscription, Mayor Laibl acknowledged that Zatec needs to demonstrate the tangible benefits at home. The town is keen on leveraging the recognition for economic growth, emphasizing the importance of tourism and collaborative efforts to address social issues such as poverty-related concerns. As the town embraces this newfound global recognition, Zatec aims to showcase its rich cultural heritage and ensure that UNESCO status translates into lasting economic and social benefits for its residents.

Article by Prague Forum

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