Moldova's Varvara Buzilă wins top Europa Nostra Heritage Award
The European Heritage Days brought a dual celebration to Moldova's cultural scene, honouring a leading figure in heritage preservation.
A bronze plaque for the Europa Nostra Award—a major European distinction for cultural heritage—was unveiled at The National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History (MNEIN) in Chișinău, recognising the work of researcher Varvara Buzilă.
Ms Buzilă, who has been instrumental in safeguarding Moldova's heritage, also launched her new book, “The Village Museum of Chișinău,” at the ceremony.
The researcher is credited with authoring modern national legislation in the sector and has successfully contributed to five UNESCO applications for heritage recognition, four of which have already been added to the intangible world heritage list.
The bronze plaque, which carries the "Europa Nostra Award" inscription, formally confirms Ms Buzilă's status as a European heritage leader.
"I decided to donate the Europa Nostra Award to the Museum because I worked here for 45 years, and this is where I developed as a specialist," Ms Buzilă said. "The Museum made an enormous contribution to receiving this prize."
MNEIN Director Petru Vicol commented, "I'm pleased that the European community, the scientists and heritage specialists in Europe have appreciated her work."
The international jury for the award was reportedly impressed by the diverse ways Ms Buzilă has worked to safeguard the cultural heritage of the Republic of Moldova. Art historian Adriana Scripcaru, a previous Europa Nostra laureate, noted that the researcher's efforts—ranging from academic study to fieldwork, community involvement, and legislative efforts—resulted in the five successful UNESCO applications.
Culture Minister Sergiu Prodan stated that the distinction adds a significant achievement to the Republic of Moldova's record, enhancing its image as a European nation and confirming its place among countries that contribute to the European Union's cultural heritage.
Ms Buzilă's new book, a synthesis of traditional Moldovan architecture and village life, is dedicated to her late husband, Eugen Bâzgu, a reputable researcher and architect. Andrei Prohin, Scientific Secretary at MNEIN, described the work as "a legacy for future generations and a call to continue the cause of creating Bessarabian village museums."
Varvara Buzilă is scheduled to formally receive the Europa Nostra Award on October 13 at the European Cultural Heritage Summit in Brussels.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
