Those responsible for the two EKS sites, Cisterscapes-Waldsassen and Königswart Castle, had invited visitors to a very extensive and varied program. Both days began with an explanation of why each site was awarded the European Heritage Label. Building on this, Metternich’s vision of European security and peace was explained in Königswart, while the European idea of the Cistercian abbot Bernhard von Clairvaux was presented in Waldsassen.

After this introduction to the content, both days focused intensively on the question of how to address young people about cultural topics in the first place and how to get them excited about them during their visit. In addition to practical tips on creating social media content to reach the young target group, the participants practiced the storytelling method, for example. Both locations formally invite you to do this, for example: What would Metternich think about current developments in Europe? Who would Bernard of Clairvaux talk to today in order to expand his European network?

The lively exchange between the German and Czech tour guides was then deepened during a joint lunch, which followed each visit to the libraries.

These encounters will serve as a stimulus to establish a connection to the other site during the guided tours. In this way, exchange and contact in Europe will be made visible and deepened in the spirit of Metternich and Bernhard.

 

The project

Libraries as places of European history: Waldsassen – Library of the Cistercians and Königswart Castle – Library of Prince Klemens Metternich

is co-financed by the European Union and GOPA PACE.