Pavilions and cafes with panoramic terraces, a large number of gardens and parks, a smooth transition into the surrounding landscape. All these characteristics make a health resort – and Bad Kissingen in Lower Franconia is even a very classic health resort. Some say it is the most famous health resort in the republic. On this Saturday it will be decided whether the city, together with other well-known European spa towns, will be declared a World Heritage Site.
Under the name “Great Spas of Europe”, eleven historical spas from seven nations have come together to apply for the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to Bad Kissingen, Baden-Baden and Bad Ems are the other German aspirants. The Czech health resorts of Karlsbad, Marienbad and Franzensbad are in charge. Cities from England, Austria, Italy, France and Belgium also belong to the applicant group.
With their urban, social and cultural phenomena, the Great Spas of Europe represent an “extraordinary testimony to the European spa” – this is how the city tries to define it. The spa towns experienced their heyday from 1700 to the 1930s. Although the cities are different from one another, they have all developed around medicinal springs. They are considered places of “health, leisure and conviviality”.
The project manager for the application from Bad Kissingen, Peter Weidisch, is “extremely optimistic” that the World Heritage Committee will approve the application over the weekend. “The signs are very favorable,” he says. This was also shown by the recommendations of the International Council for the Preservation of Monuments. Still, one has to wait and see. “Only when the committee has made a decision is the matter in the towel,” he warns.
Bad Kissingen is to contribute to the world heritage site with an area of 212 hectares. The spa function of Bad Kissingen is multifaceted. The focus is on four of a total of seven medicinal springs used. The spa town in northern Lower Franconia is characterized by its specific urban structure and high-quality architecture. These include, for example, the spa district or the Regentenbau.
In total there are 40 individual elements that are important for the spa landscape. This includes bathhouses, cultural and meeting rooms, but also sports facilities. The spa garden ensemble, where you can admire various buildings by the architect Max Littmann, undoubtedly makes a special contribution. Allegedly, the garden, which was laid out in 1738, is the first in the world that was intended for spa purposes.
The city is also important from a historical point of view. Bad Kissingen was a popular meeting place for politicians, scientists and artists. Lord Mayor Dirk Vogel is aware of this: “In 1883, Ludwig II. Appointed Kissingen a bath. Now we wait and hope that Bad Kissingen will be recognized by Unesco as one of the outstanding health resorts in Europe as a World Heritage Site in 2021.”