Tourism and culture are vital for the development of North-East Romania, particularly as the region's churches and religious art attract visitors from across the country and abroad. One such attraction is the 17th century Dragomirna monastery in Suceava County, which is known for its beauty and spiritual heritage, and which has undergone an important restoration and modernisation process.
Dragomirna Monastery restoration and modernisation preserves religious and cultural heritage
- 15 July 2015
Dragomirna Monastery has now regained its original splendour and appearance. Along with the implementation of the restoration project, the beautiful church, which is characterised by its finely sculpted stone and delicate frescoes in the Holy Altar and Narthex, has gained international recognition.
The monastery has been restored on several occasions during its history, most recently during the 1960s, but previous restorations did not include the paintings and frescoes which cover some 900 m2 of the surface of the walls in the nave and altar of the site’s church. Between 2010 and 2012, they were artistically restored using highly sophisticated techniques, and natural and traditional materials in order to preserve the aesthetically pleasing aspects of ageing and the original 17th century spirit of the artwork.
Extensive construction and modernisation work was also carried out at the complex. The energy efficiency of the buildings was enhanced through installation of a biomass supply system and solar panels, while the electrics, water supply infrastructure and architectural lighting installations were modernised. Repairs were also made to the roof, woodwork, doors and windows around the monastery.
A Europa Nostra cultural heritage prize winner
The work was carried out in situ by an international team of 50 restoration and conservation professionals and students. It led to the monastery receiving the EU's Europa Nostra prize for cultural heritage in the conservation category, and the public's choice award in 2014. The project will enhance the experience of over 14 000 tourists who visit Dragomirna each year, and support local development through further promotion of tourism in the area.
Along with the restoration, the project has formulated a new concept for exhibition of religious icons and the monastery's museum collection. Other developments include an interactive kiosk and info guide, tourist information services, marketing of hand-made religious items and souvenirs, and creation of a website, available in Romanian, English, French and German, to promote Dragomirna's art internationally.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Restoration and Modernisation of Dragomirna Monastery” is EUR 4 631 449, of which the EU’s European Regional Development Fund is contributing EUR 4 004 569 from the Regional Operational Programme for the 2007 to 2013 programming period.