Story Title: UNESCO Heritage of the Rhein Valley
Episode: 6
Broadcast Date: 1st February 2014
Presenter: Trevor Cochrane

The 65km-stretch of the Middle Rhine Valley, with its castles, historic towns and vineyards, graphically illustrates the long history of human involvement with a dramatic and varied natural landscape.

One of the World's Great Rivers

• The 65km-stretch of the Middle Rhine Valley is intimately associated with history and legend and for centuries has exercised a powerful influence on writers, artists and composers.
• It is intimately associated with history and legend and for centuries has exercised a powerful influence on writers, artists and composers. 
• As a transport route, the Rhine has served as a link between the southern and northern halves of the continent since prehistoric times, enabling trade and cultural exchange, which in turn led to the establishment of settlements.
• The landscape is punctuated by some 40 hill top castles and fortresses erected over a period of around 1,000 years. Abandonment and later the wars of the 17th century left most as picturesque ruins.
• The Middle Rhine Valley came under Roman rule in the 1st century BCE, as a frontier province, and a military road was constructed on the left bank, linking military fortress and camps.
• It was a core region of the Holy Roman Empire. Four of the seven Electors, the highest ranking rulers within the Empire, held portions of the area and it was here that they would meet to determine the succession.
• The 20th century has seen major structural changes, notably the decline of the traditional winemaking sector and of mining and quarrying.
• The most important economic sector in the Middle Rhine Valley is now tourism and focus is on the preservation of the cultural landscape.
• For more information on European Tours click here.

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