Study visit to Upper Palatinate District
Over the past few days, the partners of the REliHE project embarked on an inspiring three-day study visit to the Upper Palatinate region. Experts from seven European regions gathered to explore historic sacred buildings, exchange ideas, and discover innovative ways to ensure these structures continue to serve their communities. The visit provided a valuable opportunity to witness successful examples of adaptive reuse, discuss challenges, and explore creative solutions for the future.
“This issue is more relevant than many people might realize,” stated District President Franz Löffler at the study visit's opening event at Frauenzell Monastery in the Regensburg District. He highlighted the declining number of churchgoers, which has led to churches becoming too large or underutilized. Given their immense cultural and historical value, these buildings should be preserved through sustainable and adaptive reuse strategies.
The REliHE project seeks to unlock the potential of religious architectural heritage by fostering dialogue and collaboration across European regions. The District of Upper Palatinate aims to engage with international partners to exchange knowledge and develop a strong network of experts and stakeholders. “Our goal is to find solutions that preserve these identity-defining buildings as closely as possible to their original character while integrating adaptive or mixed-use concepts,” emphasized District Heritage Officer Dr. Tobias Appl.
Study Visit Highlights
Frauenzell: Developing a Sustainable Future for the Former Monastery
The key challenge at Frauenzell Monastery lies in its complex ownership structures, with various stakeholders including private individuals, state entities, municipal authorities, and the church. For over a decade, the municipality, led by Mayor Irmgard Sauerer, has been actively working on concepts for sustainable use. The agency Bauwärts has supported these efforts by exploring public use opportunities and engaging the local community to establish the monastery as a “third place.” Inspired by the REliHE project, the Faculty of Architecture at the Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule (OTH, East Bavarian Technical University) will hold a seminar during the summer semester dedicated to developing a sustainable revitalization plan for the monastery.
Maxhütte-Haidhof: Reimagining the Future of Post-War Churches
Maxhütte-Haidhof is home to two Catholic churches facing different challenges. St. Barbara Cemetery Church, built in 1923, is more suitable for the shrinking parish but remains closed due to the need for extensive renovations. The newer 1960s church, with 800 seats, is significantly oversized and costly to maintain. Professor Anne Beer from OTH, along with her students, has developed innovative reuse concepts for the post-war church, presenting selected proposals to the international delegation. This academic approach fosters creative solutions to complex preservation issues while providing valuable ideas at the municipal level.
Waldsassen: A Model for Mixed-Use Heritage Conservation
The Waldsassen Monastery stands as a best-practice example of successful renovation and mixed-use implementation. The monastery community operates the St. Joseph Guesthouse, while a girls' secondary school functions within the monastery buildings. A recently renovated mill quarter houses a shared living community for people with disabilities, seniors, and young families. Additionally, a foundation-run cultural and community center offers programs in religion, music, and culture, and serves as a state-recognized environmental education center. Future plans include the renovation of the former garden schoolhouse of the abbots and a full restoration of the monastery library to improve accessibility.
Trabitz: A Unique Model for Church and Community Integration
The Protestant Pauluskirche in Trabitz faced dwindling attendance, prompting an innovative solution: the church is now rented to Learning Campus gGmbH, a youth welfare organization, which functions as both tenant and user. Remarkably, the church has not been deconsecrated and remains active for parish services, baptisms, and weddings. This creative mixed-use approach has revitalized the church, restoring its role as a community hub. The positive reception from local residents underscores the success of this integration model.
Plankstetten: A Sustainable Future for Monastic Life
The Benedictine Abbey of Plankstetten serves as another exemplary case of continued and mixed-use adaptation. The monastery functions as an educational center, offering a guesthouse, conference rooms, a kindergarten, a library, and an organic farm. Extensive renovations, coupled with a sustainable energy and resource conservation strategy, have positioned Plankstetten as a national reference point for sustainable heritage management.