Wiki Loves Monuments

Celebrating World Heritage Monuments and WLM collaboration

on Jun 04, 2024

This is a guest blog by Yamen Bousrih from the Wiki World Heritage UG

During the latest edition of Wiki Loves Monuments (WLM), the Wiki World Heritage User Group (WWH) had the pleasure of collaborating with the WLM international organizing team to offer a special prize for the best photo featuring a UNESCO World Heritage-listed monument. This partnership underscores the importance of documenting these invaluable monuments, which belong to all of humanity, as well as the significance of collaboration within the Wiki movement.

The synergy between WWH and WLM exemplifies the power of working together to achieve shared goals. By combining our efforts, we can enhance the documentation and appreciation of world heritage monuments around the globe.

WWH special prize in WLM 2023

For this inaugural collaboration, after submitting several photos to the international jury and the WWH community, we are thrilled to announce that the winning photo for this special prize is of the magnificent City Hall of Antwerp, Belgium. This stunning image captures the grandeur and historical significance of the City Hall, an iconic landmark recognized by UNESCO for its outstanding universal value.

The City Hall of Antwerp, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, stands as a testament to the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. Completed in 1565, this architectural gem has been a central figure in Antwerp’s political and social life for centuries. It is listed as one of the Belfries of Belgium and France, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its importance and the need to preserve it for future generations.

The Belfries of Belgium and France are a group of 56 historical buildings designated by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. These civic belfries, which house bells for ringing as part of a building, symbolize the emergence of civic independence from feudal and religious influences in the former County of Flanders and neighboring areas.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the organizing team of WLM and offer our congratulations to the winner. This collaboration has been a wonderful journey, and we look forward to many more initiatives that celebrate and preserve our shared heritage.

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