World Heritage Nomination: Cluny and the Cluniac Sites in Europe
Introduction
Conservation Practice was part of the technical team responsible for preparing and managing the serial World Heritage nomination dossier – Cluny and the Cluniac sites in Europe. We contributed decisively to the research, organization, and production of the necessary technical and scientific content, ensuring compliance with the criteria and guidelines of the World Heritage Convention and the Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention.
Historical Background
Within the scope of the project, we conducted a detailed historical investigation of Cluny and the Cluniac sites in Europe, aimed at supporting the World Heritage nomination. This work involved an in-depth study of the origins of the Cluny Order, its territorial, architectural, and spiritual expansion, as well as the cultural and artistic impact that its monasteries had over the centuries. We analyzed historical documents, architectural inventories, old maps, and secondary reference sources, seeking to understand the interconnection between the different Cluniac sites and their collective heritage significance.
Project / Study
Conservation Practice’s work ranged from the historical and cultural analysis of the values of the different components to the coordination of technical and graphic documentation, ensuring the quality and robustness of the nomination process. In this context, three-dimensional models of the buildings corresponding to the sites included in the nomination were developed to identify, map, and interpret both tangible and intangible values and attributes, as well as to analyze their conservation status.
We also contributed to the justification of the Outstanding Universal Value of the nomination through the development of comparative analysis and assessment of the authenticity and integrity of the attributes.
These activities were complemented by site visits for surveys and systematic data collection, as well as meetings with local and regional administrations, integrating the political-administrative process of the nomination.
Outcome
The World Heritage Nomination is currently in the final stage of the political-administrative process, in close coordination with local, regional, and international partners. All documentation has been completed, and the dossier is being finalized for submission to UNESCO. This stage involves ongoing dialogue with stakeholders to ensure alignment and consensus, reinforcing the nomination’s robustness and its justification of Outstanding Universal Value.
