Thessaloniki gets ready for its metro launch in November
The underground rapid transit lines have been under construction for almost two decades due to various project delays
Cyclists are already enjoying a refreshing glass of wine this summer, Source: Frauenkirchen Basilica
A local pastor explained that the throat and the soul are linked, so a little wine could open the door to religion for some
This week, the basilica in the small town of Frauenkirchen, Austria, unveiled a sacramental wine vending machine. The vending machine, placed in front of the religious site, offers visitors a selection of wines, chilled to six degrees Celsius.
As ORF, the Austrian National Broadcaster, reports, the vending machine was developed as a tourist magnet that is supposed to draw people towards visiting the church. While the August heatwave rolls through Europe, many local cyclists have picked up on the wine machine as a place to cool off.
The vending machine has a selection of four wines and passers-by could try them out at the low price of one euro per fill. The only way to pay will be through the device’s ban card reader, which is also how the machine will do age verification.
Furthermore, all four wines in the machine have been made by local winegrowers in the region. They also meet the criteria for sacramental wine – natural, without additives and with approval from the diocese for church use.
However, the wine is not "consecrated", meaning that technically it has not yet become the ‘blood of Christ’ according to the Catholic dogma. This makes the samples simply some good Austrian wine, with the proceeds helping to fund the local diocese.
The idea came from a town pastor, Thomas Lackner, who explained that this is the first machine of its kind in the world. He also said that this could be a great way to attract more visitors to the church, as well as get more people interested in religion.
He also pointed out that the throat and the soul are interlinked so a visit to the Messwein machine could open up an inner thirst for communing with a higher power. According to an official statement by the basilica, many cyclists have already visited the location, as well as the religious sites.
The underground rapid transit lines have been under construction for almost two decades due to various project delays
Now you can get your wine in Talence by paying directly in Bitcoin
That’s because the state has to spend money on updating the railway infrastructure rather than subsidizing the cost of the popular pass
Rethinking renewable energy sources for the urban landscape
The examples, compiled by Beyond Fossil Fuels, can inform and inspire communities and entrepreneurs that still feel trepidation at the prospect of energy transition
Now you can get your wine in Talence by paying directly in Bitcoin
The 10th European Conference on Sustainable Cities and Towns (ESCT) sets the stage for stronger cooperation between the EU, national and local level to fast track Europe's transition to climate neutrality.
At least, that’s the promise made by the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo
The underground rapid transit lines have been under construction for almost two decades due to various project delays
At least, that’s the promise made by the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo
Hostal de Pinós is located in the geographical centre of the autonomous region
Despite its church-y name, the district has long been known as the hangout spot for the artsy crowds
Urban dwellers across the EU are having a say in making their surroundings friendlier to people and the environment.
Forests in the EU can help green the European construction industry and bolster a continent-wide push for architectural improvements.
Apply by 10 November and do your part for the transformation of European public spaces
An interview with the Mayor of a Polish city that seeks to reinvent itself
An interview with the newly elected ICLEI President and Mayor of Malmö
A conversation with the Mayor of Lisbon about the spirit and dimensions of innovation present in the Portuguese capital