MOTION FOR A RECOMMENDATION on the conservation of cathedrals and other major religious constructions in Europe

25 November 1994

Doc. 7198

MOTION FOR A RECOMMENDATION on the conservation of cathedrals and other major religious constructions in Europe

presented by Mr LOPEZ HENARES, Spain, EPP and others

This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only the members who have signed it

1. Cathedrals and other major buildings are amongst the most significant constructions of the European architectural heritage. With them are often associated a wealth of works of art and furnishings. In most cases they possess a significant historical past. In several cases this past embraces different religious periods.

2. These huge and valuable buildings are particularly vulnerable because of their very size, richness, antiquity and frequentation. Nowadays the environmental problems are

also elements that accelerate the deterioration of these important monuments of our culture.

3. Certain foundations made provisions at the outset for the maintenance of individual buildings. The religious authorities exercise a degree of protection over the buildings under their control. In most cases however, these authorities cannot afford sufficient financial support to ensure that the buildings are protected and maintained in their entirety.

4. Education, tourism and the media should be involved in encouraging and promoting public awareness and support for the protection of such sites.

5. We, the undersigned, members of the Assembly, recommend that the national and state authorities ensure as far as possible that adequate funding is available for the upkeep of major religious constructions (where practicable together with their original fittings), independent of their continued use or present affectation.

Signed:

López Henares, Spain, EPP

Ramirez Péry, Spain, EPP

Gotzev, Bulgaria, EPP

Borderas, Spain, SOC

Hooper, United Kingdom, EDG

Severin, Romania, SOC

Baumel, France, EDG

Sainz Garcia, Spain, EPP

Cucó, Spain, SOC

Bolinaga, Spain, EPP

Berg, Norway, EDG

Newall, United Kingdom, EDG

Speed, United Kingdom, EDG

Korahais, Greece, EPP

Marques, Portugal, LDR

* SOC : Socialist Group

EPP : Group of the European People's Party

EDG : European Democratic Group

LDR : Liberal, Democratic and Reformers Group

UEL : Group of the Unified European Left