Herrnhut - Germany

 This year Germany added 2 sites to the UNESCO WHS list. I already had a card of the Schwerin Castle and, thanks to Marcel, I got this card of Herrnhut, now part of a transnational site, which also includes Moravian settlements in the US, Denmark and Northern Ireland.

The Moravian Church, also known as Unitas Fratrum, is one of the earliest Protestant denominations and was founded in Herrnhut in 1722 by Protestant refugees from Bohemia, Moravia, Silesia and Scandinavia. It is now known worldwide for its missionary work, simple way of life and “Daily Watchword”, an annual publication containing a selection of short bible verses for each day of the year.

 

Fotos: Berthold, Dresden

Herrnhut, a small town in Upper Lusatia, approx. 62 miles east of Dresden, is not only the place where the Moravian Church was founded, but also an outstanding example of this religious community’s way of life. Today’s visitors can still trace Herrnhut’s unique and strictly symmetrical layout, with spacious squares and communal facilities. With the Moravian Church’s missionary activities, more than 30 settlements worldwide have been built according to the principles established in the Moravian mother community in Saxony.
Herrnhut is also known for the iconic “Herrnhut Star”, or “Moravian Star” in English, which is recognised worldwide as a symbol of this religious community. It originated over 180 years ago in Saxony and today, this unique 25-point star is considered the origin of all Christmas stars and has become a popular festive decoration around the world. - in: https://visitsaxony.com