Bucharest – Two heritage monuments in Sibiu County will be restored with non-refundable funds amounting to nearly 11 million lei from the European Regional Development Fund. According to the Central Regional Development Agency (ADR Center), it involves the Fortified Church in the village of Richiș, Biertan commune, dating from the year 1400, and the Gate Tower.
With the completion of the works, scheduled for May 2028, the Cistercian Order Fortified Church will become a center of attraction for visitors, especially due to the promotion of the significance, importance, and uniqueness of Celtic-origin elements. The defining and special element of the Richiș Fortified Church is the ‘Green Man,’ a symbol with strong ties to Cistercian monks and Celtic symbolism.
Post-restoration activities provided in the project will focus on current themes such as environmental protection, love for nature, the rebirth of nature, and natural elements as primordial over artificial ones.
The funds are allocated from the European Regional Development Fund, through Priority 7 (A region with sustainable tourism, Intervention 7.1.1 – Conservation, protection, and enhancement of UNESCO and class A cultural heritage) of the Central Region Program.
More than 35 fortified churches in Transylvania have been rehabilitated through the Regional Operational Programs 2007-2013 and 2014-2023.
Through the funds of the Central Region Program 2021-2027, allocated for the conservation and enhancement of UNESCO and class A cultural heritage in the Region, we contribute to keeping these cultural-historical testimonies alive, and the revitalization activities provided in projects increase their attraction, supporting the local community, said ADR Center general director, Simion Crețu. (5.08.2024)