The final seminar of the regional project “Advancement in maintenance of UNESCO World Heritage sites: Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn” organized by the Agency took place in September 23 – 24 in Vilnius. Special themes of the seminar: “Property Owners Engagement, Consultative and Financial Support Process“ and „Contemporary Architecture in UNESCO WH sites” disclosed the growing need of the residents to know more about authenticity and value of cultural heritage properties, practise of their maintenance. First day Tallinn’s representatives introduced municipal program „Renaissance of churches“, evolution of historic property owners’ support in 2006-2020 and urban archaeologic research news. Riga reflected on their experience of property owners stimulation and beginning of a similar historic churches’ restoration program in their Old Town. Vilnius shared review of historic property owners’ engagement and support process in 2002-2020.
The second day Riga presented emergence and controversy of contemporary architecture in the Old Town in 2000 – 2020. Possible impacts of expand reconstruction of the railway station with development of numerous infrastructural elements to become part of Via Baltica were presented as the biggest current challenge to Riga. Tallinn spoke about the conversion of Rotermani Quarter, reconstruction of bastions’ system and the idea to build Philharmonic Hall within Skone bastion. Famous Vilnius architect from ‘DO Architects’ company introduced development process of new controversial buildings at the Missionary ensemble. Head of the Agency presented conclusions and recommendations of UNESCO Advisory missions of 2013 and 2017 regarding then foreseen extensive development of the Paupys area and the Missionary ensemble. Participants of the Seminar visited the Franciscan Monastery under restoration and the Archaeological exposition at the Royal Palace, and next day – the restored hospital complex in Boksto Street and the newly built Paupys area. Cultural heritage managers from Vilnius City Municipality, State Department for Cultural Heritage, private architects and one Vilnius university student took part at the seminar.
The cross-city data and cooperation platform is under development within the framework of the project. The platform will provide comparative promotion of UNESCO world heritage sites, their maintenance and routes for cultural tourists. This open data platform is dedicated to the interested public, students, architects and experts. Vilnius celebrated the 25th anniversary of the inscription to the World heritage list in 2019, Riga and Tallinn will celebrate same anniversary in 2022.
The Project is supported by the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Program and implemented in May 18, 2020 – October 15, 2021.
