Intangible cultural heritage

As early as the Middle Ages, young stonemason apprentices acquired their technical skills through observation at building sites and practical work. In the course of their supplemental three-year stint as journeymen with other masters, they were able to gather additional valuable experience and insights. In this way, the closely guarded knowledge of formal theory, construction methods, and structural design was disseminated across regional borders and all over Europe. This exchange also made possible the further refinement of existing practices.

As a rule, becoming a stonemason today entails three years of training. Presently, a stonemason is engaged primarily in the design, construction, restoration, carving, and relocation of fountains, monuments, gravestones, portals, façade cladding, stone steps, and floor coverings of natural or artificial stone. Among stonemasons, not only the handicraft itself has an identity-building function but also the traditions that are handed down from master to apprentice. For example, while at work some stonemasons still wear the traditional long leather apron, which is to be turned up during breaks, and when requesting the assistance of a colleague they still use the term Angesprochen (solicited), and show their appreciation with the word Bedankt (thanked).

For a number of years, the use of local stone varieties for the Austrian market has been promoted; in addition, there are many national and international meetings and competitions of stonemasons aimed at intensifying the exchange of information and knowledge.

Downloads

• Application form (in German only) 668 KB (pdf)
• Expertise (in German only) Nimmrichter 193 KB (pdf)
• Expertise (in German only) Rohatsch 627 KB (pdf)
• Expertise (in German only) Zehetner 91 KB (pdf)