What does historic preservation mean in Switzerland? The definition
The protection of historical monuments, also known as monument preservation, is one of the central tasks of Swiss homeland security. In cooperation between the federal government and the cantons, it is ensured that protected real estate, investments and cultural assets are preserved. These must not be damaged, destroyed, impaired or falsified. The aim of historic preservation is to preserve the landscape and townscape and to cultivate historical cultural assets, regardless of the age of the objects. Younger buildings can also be considered monuments because of their architectural or historical value.
Who is responsible for the protection of historical monuments in Switzerland?
For the protection of cultural assets, the Federal Commission for the Preservation of Monuments (EKD) And that Federal Office of Culture responsible at national level. These institutions are also involved:
- Federal Commission for Nature and Cultural Heritage (ENHK)
- Society for Swiss Art History (GSK)
- Conference of Swiss Historic Preservationists (KSD)
- private organizations
The legal framework is set out in Federal Act on the Protection of Nature and Heritage (NHG) , which also regulates the support of associations and educational institutions.
How does historic preservation work in practice?
Construction work on a listed building is subject to various requirements. The cantons and municipalities offer advisory and, in some cases, financial support for owners and planning officers. Approved renovations or construction projects are accompanied by historic preservation until completion. Protected cultural assets and archaeological sites are regularly checked.
Which objects are usually listed as historical monuments?
The federal government, cantons and municipalities work closely together to protect cultural assets at national, regional and local levels. According to the NHG, there are three property categories:
- Objects worth preserving and protecting at least 30 years old
- Cantonal objects that meet the townscape requirements
- Objects already listed as historical monuments (the federal government has recognized around 2,500 objects so far)
Classification as a monument
The Federal Commission for the Preservation of Monuments defines monuments as Location-based objects with historical value. These include individual objects, groups of objects, buildings without roofs and archaeological structures. Today, in addition to churches and palaces, the following objects are also listed buildings:
- Burgher houses, workers' houses and farmhouses
- Warehouses and wash houses
- Pile dwellings and industrial plants
- Art Nouveau villas and historic gardens
Historic gardens, which were built up to 1960, are also cultural assets worth protecting.
What are inventories?
The federal government keeps inventories of objects of national importance that are worthy of protection. The three most important inventories are:
Cantonal differences
The cantons may also protect objects of regional importance. Switzerland has around 100,000 monuments, whose protection is handled differently from canton to canton.
Are owners allowed to change listed buildings?
One of the main goals of historic preservation is to preserve historical traces that provide insights into the way of life of past generations. Comprehensive changes to listed buildings require a permit, which is issued by the municipality's historic preservation department. This question cannot therefore be answered in the affirmative or united in general.
Are listed buildings losing value?
There are both advantages and disadvantages for owners of listed buildings. Since freedom of use is restricted, this may have an impact on the value development of the monument. However, financial support for renovation work can maintain or even increase the value. In addition, listed properties are often valued as trophy properties.
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