Paris Hopes to Declare its Rooftops a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Half the charm of Paris is the French capital’s iconic rooftops, whose romantic architecture add just that much more charisma to ‘the city of lights.’ Now, France’s Ministry of Culture is hoping to have the city’s rooftops designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

According to Lonely Planet, “Years of traditional, specialized craftsmanship have ensured that the city’s emblematic zinc rooftops remain in good shape, and now those behind the efforts are seeking a cultural appreciation of their trade by applying for Unesco Heritage status.”

The president of the roofer’s union, Angel Sanchez, told Lonely Planet that despite the modernization of restoration tools and the diminished risks with restoring Paris’ rooftops, the expertise has remained traditional. The Ministry of Culture applied for UNESCO status back in 2015, but due to the lengthy consideration process, Paris will not learn the results of their application until 2019.

Paris is already home to one UNESCO World Heritage Site. The scenic banks of the city’s Seine River gained UNESCO status back in 1991; while Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris and Sainte-Chapelle were labeled “architecutral masterpieces” by the organization, reports Lonely Planet.