Northern Ireland achieves a second World Heritage Site listing

Friday 26 July 2024

The announcement followed the 46th World Heritage Committee of UNESCO held in New Delhi, India.

This is Northern Ireland’s first Cultural designation. The Giants Causeway, the other World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland, is classified as a natural site.

Gracehill, the only complete Moravian Settlement in Ireland and Northern Ireland’s first designated Conservation Area, is part of a Transnational Designation. This means that its designation as a World Heritage Site is alongside several sites in different countries.  The Designation is entitled “Moravian Church Settlements” and includes Bethlehem, (Pennsylvania, USA), Herrnhut (Germany) and the already inscribed Christiansfeld (Denmark) in addition to Gracehill (NI).

The Gracehill community has been working with international partners since 2003 to achieve World Heritage recognition. In 2015 the Settlement of Christiansfeld, Denmark achieved inscription on the UNESCO List and Gracehill continued to work with Bethlehem (USA) and Herrnhut (Germany) as part of a transnational nomination for an extension of the Danish listing. This was led by Bethlehem in Pennsylvania with the support of the US Government.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Beth Adger MBE, said:

“This is absolutely wonderful news and a historic time for Gracehill, Mid and East Antrim, and indeed all of Northern Ireland. This landmark World Heritage Status for the only complete Moravian Settlement in Ireland will bring tremendous benefits to Mid and East Antrim by considerably raising the global profile of the Borough, supporting the local economy and positively impacting on education, quality of life and civic pride.

“I am delighted it has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, joining a list of some of the world’s most iconic sites, such as the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China, and the Pyramids. Well done to everyone involved in bringing this forward. What an achievement. A first cultural World Heritage site for Northern Ireland is an unparalleled achievement in terms of the opportunities for domestic and international tourism. I know how tirelessly everyone involved in this bid has worked to bring it to this stage and I thank them for their dedication and commitment.”

Speaking following the announcement Bishop Sarah Groves, who has been involved in developing the nomination on behalf of the Moravian Church, said: 

 “I am thrilled that the significance of the Moravian Church internationally and its culture, history and heritage have been recognised by the World Heritage Committee. For Gracehill it shows that what we have in terms of our history, buildings, layout and archives and also that our living culture and faith are of local, regional and international importance. World Heritage status gives Gracehill the protection it deserves and will enable us to develop our research and extend our international links further.”

Dr David Johnston, Chair of Gracehill Trust said: 

 “The prize of a cultural World Heritage listing is a huge good news story for Northern Ireland as a whole.  This is an achievement that everyone can share in and be proud of, with the potential to promote understanding and reconciliation and bring social, economic and cultural benefits right across the region now and for generations to come.

“We are thankful to have had the enthusiastic support of the whole community, the Department for Communities, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and the UK Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, as well as the wholehearted and unstinting backing of our international partners.”

Gracehill Settlement is an early example of town planning reflecting the timeless values of education, equality, industry, tolerance and spirituality that have been at the heart of this community since 1759. Its intact core of historic listed buildings, Moravian Church, central Square and burial ground or God’s Acre as it is known, featured in the nomination. Each of the Settlements nominated demonstrate different phases in the development of Moravian planning.  Gracehill stands out as having been constructed in a grid plan with a central square and a very clear and complete ‘gender axis’. Since its foundation Gracehill was well known for its international links which continue today.

Gracehill is historically renowned for its principles of religious and political tolerance, neutrality and reconciliation, first manifested significantly during the ‘United Irishmen’s Rebellion’ of 1798 when Gracehill was seen as a place of refuge for all.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons welcomed the announcement, commenting:

 “I am delighted that the cultural importance of Gracehill to the world has been recognised through the UNESCO designation.  In recent years, my department has worked with the Gracehill community to maintain the village and develop their World Heritage bid.  We have supported listed building repairs and provided advice and, since the US formally decided to proceed in 2021, we have contributed to the nomination costs.  Gracehill is a special place with an active community and this recognition of a small village on the world stage is a great endorsement, helping to remind us all that Northern Ireland has a fascinating heritage that is well worth exploring.”

UK Government Culture Minister Sir Chris Bryant said:

“Gracehill has been rightly cherished by the local community since its foundation in 1759 as a town built around the central values of equality and tolerance and I am glad to see it gain the recognition that it deserves.

“I look forward to working together with the international community and my counterparts in Northern Ireland to celebrate the Gracehill site and ensure the Moravian traditions live on to be passed onto future generations.”