Cross-border community in action: How the Historic Centre of Stolberg (Germany) came back to life
A devastating flood in July 2021 left Germany’s historic centre of Stolberg severely damaged, with hundreds of buildings affected. The 500-year-old town was later named among Europe’s 7 Most Endangered heritage sites for 2022.
The disaster struck after weeks of heavy rain, when around two metres of water flooded the town’s main streets. More than 700 buildings in the Historic Centre of Stolberg were considered part of the heritage at risk, representing centuries of architectural history from the 16th century through the Wilhelmine era and Art Deco period.
Following the flood, local residents, businesses, churches, trade unions and other organisations came together to support Stolberg’s nomination for Europa Nostra’s 7 Most Endangered Programme. The selection brought international attention and helped create new opportunities for the town’s recovery and heritage protection.
The programme also encouraged Stolberg to strengthen links with neighbouring Belgium and the Netherlands. The communities discovered shared historical connections, including links to zinc ore. This cooperation led to lectures, a book, an Erasmus+ project and events connected with European Heritage Days.
Local civil society groups City Marketing and Kulturgut played a central role in the recovery effort. A core group of around a dozen people helped coordinate activities, while wider community networks provided support. The experience also encouraged greater awareness among residents of the historical value of their town.
Today, the Historic Centre of Stolberg has been rebuilt while its community connections have grown stronger. Local organisers are also seeking greater recognition for the city, which has faced economic difficulties following the decline of its metalworking industry. The town now hopes to obtain the European Heritage Label together with Belgian partners.