Forging architectural tradition : national narratives monument preservation and architectural work in the nineteenth century Architectural conservation and national narratives Styles for the nation and state Appropriation of heritage(s) During the nineteenth century a change developed in the way architectural objects from the distant past were viewed by contemporaries. Such edifices be they churches castles chapels or various other buildings were not only admired for their aesthetic values but also for the role they played in ancient times and their role as reminders of important events from the national past. Architectural heritage often was (and still is) an important element of nation building. Authors address the process of building national myths around certain architectural objects. National narratives are questioned as is the position architectural heritage played in the nineteenth and the early twentieth centuries