European funding breathes new life into Moldova's heritage sites
Several heritage sites on both banks of the Dniester River are being restored and preserved under a European Union-funded program.
The initiative, titled "Support to Confidence Building Measures," is focused on cultural preservation and community engagement. Among the sites included are the Țîpova Cave Monastery, the Vadul-Rașcov Bell Tower, the ruins of a historic church and synagogue in Rașcov, and the facade of the interwar Savings and Treasury Bank in Tighina.
Olesea Cazacu, a project coordinator at UNDP Moldova, told Radio Moldova that the work is being carried out by professionals from both sides of the Dniester, with international experts also involved. "We have extensive experience in the historically accurate restoration of these monuments, using the right materials and techniques," she said. "It's a long and complex process that requires a careful, step-by-step approach."
She added that students have been involved to see the process firsthand, and study visits to the European Union are planned to observe similar projects abroad.
According to Ms. Cazacu, there has been exceptional interest from residents, which is expected to contribute to tourism growth and help achieve the project's goal of uniting people from both banks of the river.
"We launched a public call and received over 250 proposals from communities," she said. "Subsequently, 30 sites were chosen and put to an online vote, gathering over 37,000 votes. We saw that many people from both sides of the Dniester were deeply engaged."
She noted that communities that benefited from the projects have seen an increase in tourist numbers, including foreign visitors, as well as the creation of new services and jobs. The estimated budget for each site is approximately €72,000.
Under the same program, 12 other heritage buildings were previously rehabilitated, including the Chișinău Circus and the Tighina Fortress.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
