500 years after the Fuggers arrived in Almadén –
What can we learn for the future
Students and teachers from the historic towns linked to the Fugger family – Allmadén and Almagro (Spain), Augsburg (Germany), Banská Bystrica (Slovakia) and Sterzing (Italy) – came together at the IFYC 25 International Youth Conference in Allmadén to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the arrival of the Fuggers.
This special week started at the host families of the Spanish friends. Together they experienced a so-called Family Day, during which they discovered the city and its surroundings and make their first memories together.
The official start of the conference was accompanied by a warm welcome and fun activities to break the ice. Presentations about their hometowns and their connection to Jakob Fugger and to Almadén followed. After a reception ath the townhall the students toured around Almaden together.
The next day will feature workshops led by university experts that will focus on the health effects of mercury and ways to detect it. After a Sevillana workshop the students presented their onsite research they did in their hometowns. In the afternoon the Mercury Centre hosted an expert discussions that focused on environmental and health issues related to mercury – from Renaissance methods to today’s challenges. This will be followed by a visit to the famous Almadén Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where participants will learn more about its extraordinary history and the role played by the Fuggers.
The last day was in the spirit of sharing and celebration. Participants will visit Almagro, present their findings from the conference at the historic Fugger House. After a tour of the beautiful city, they said goodbye to their new friends at a joint party full of music, joy and memories of an unforgettable week.
The reports and the results of the IFYC25 can be found in the blog on this website.