Curator, restorer, landowner, patron of the arts, or even writer… Nowadays, they manage and restore ten or so historical buildings. Their mission is to support and keep alive an exceptional heritage, largely unknown : they are the protectors of european palaces. Bertrand du Vignaud, historian of arts, has founded in 1965 a private philanthropic foundation based in New York,  the World Monuments Funds, in order to preserve and maintain the most treasured architectural and cultural sites on Earth. Since its creation, the fondation has financed around the globe more than 450 sites in 90 countries.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oriBGC3w2ic&feature=channel_page]

Among them, three sites in Europe going under the different processes of restoration are illustrated into this documentary.

Firstly, the 18th century Rundāle Palace in Lativia (pictures here) with its 138 rooms, its Renaissance facades and the delicate painted ceiling of the library to restore.

Secondly, the Queluz National Palace in Portugal which was the summer residence of the Kings of Portugal. The 18th century palace is famed for the walls of its canals – decorated with thousands of tiles depicting a Rococo theme with seascapes and associated scenes – and for  its  jardins à la française inspired by the landscape architect of Louis XIV, Le Nôtre.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAoNIG9y-Ms&feature=channel]

And finally, one of the most beautiful palace in Europe, the New Palace in Sanssouci Park in Postdam (Germany, photos here) where the WMF has participated to the restoration of the Emperor Frederick the Great’s apartments.

The report follows on in Great Britain to meet Charles Berkeley, the 38th Earl of Berkeley, working along with his family for preserving the 12th century castle, its outbuildings, estate on 6,000 acres and its historical heritage in Gloucestershire by managing the estate and working as a private guide since he is 21.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezxIt-GraW0&feature=channel]

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UlLQ4b0V1M&feature=channel]

The last example of this travel through Europe – following the way of St. James to Santiago de Compestella – concerns the paradors in Spain, which are historical buildings (monasteries or castles) transformed into luxury hotels in order to preserve Spain’s architectural and cultural heritage. They had been created by the King Alfonso XIII of Spain, the grandfather of the current King Juan Carlos of Spain, and therefore exist since 1928.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KM3jMa0C-NU&feature=channel]

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5vkCdicwVo&feature=channel]

***

All the videos : here.

Other Links.

PDF file : WMF – Annual Report – 2007

Paradores : Magazine , tv , photos, booking