More restoration works finished at Tighina/Bender Fortress of Moldova

Chisinau, 12 June /MOLDPRES/ - The European Union and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) today informed about the finishing of the first stage of the restoration works at the Tighina/Bender Fortress, carried out in 2021-2023. The investments amounted to 1.4 million euros on behalf of EU through the Confidence Building Measures Programme, implemented by UNDP.  

„In the last years, we have witnessed here a remarkable process of intense work. Despite all obstacles, such as the Covid pandemic and the war in Ukraine, we see these efforts materialized today. Through the restoration of the Tighina/Bender Fortress, the physical structure is conserved. At the same time, we revitalize its historical significance and cultural value. This monument will become a living proof of the rich traditions, history and experiences which have modeled the communities on both banks of Dniester,’’ Head of the European Union’s Delegation in Moldova Janis Mažeiks said.       

The technologies used for the conservation works for the first stage, including the consolidation of the most critical areas of the Upper and Lower Fortress, are in accordance with the international standards and practices. For instance, to establish the historic mortar, a string of chemical and petrographic tests was made in Istanbul, Turkey, as such tests cannot be made in Moldova. Over 127.2 cubic metres of historic mortar, made according to historical recipes, were used for the consolidation and restoration works.        

„Following the restoration of the Tighina/Bender Fortress, which dates back from the 15th century, the tourist potential of this historical object will be enhanced, which will increase the subsequent benefits for the local economy,’’ according to UNDP.   

At the event on the finishing of the restoration works at the Tighina/Bender Fortress, UNDP Resident Representative in Moldova, Daniela Gasparikova said that ‘’the restoration of the fortress brings hopes and a huge potential.’’  ‘’We already notice how this historical object becomes a captivating destination and quite searched by tourists. The economic, social and cultural benefits due to result from its restoration are scheduled to be far-reaching, contributing to the prosperity of the entire region,’’ Daniela Gasparikova said.          

The conservation and restoration of the Tighina/Bender Fortress, along with the Chisinau Circus, is one of the two emblematic objects of the cultural heritage, restored with the support of the EU’s Confidence Building Measures Programme, which contributes to the consolidation of trust between the residents on the two banks of Dniester, through their involvement in joint development projects.      

Photo: UNDP