Valorisation of of cultural heritage through the rehabilitation and preservation of Water Castle
The Water Castle in Drobeta Turnu Severin was inaugurated in 1914 and provided water to the town’s residents until 1980.
The project consists in the rehabilitation and valorisation of Water Castle (Romania), in order to create a tourist product at European standards, which can be a unique attraction in the development of travel itineraries integrated in the national and international cultural network of the Pan-European corridor. The project was carried out through an agreement between different administrations (City Hall Drobeta Turnu Severin and Municipality of Negotin).
With EU-funding the castle was reborn in 2012 and is now quenching a thirst for culture through its modern exhibition rooms and literary spaces.
The Water Castle is the now an iconic symbol of Drobeta Turnu Severin City. Tourist numbers have risen sharply and a great deal of investment has come into the area as a result of the renovation.
Resources needed
Total value of the project 955. 681 euro
Non-reimbursable value 936.567,38 euro
ERDF 812.328,85 euro
National budget 128.238,53 euro
Beneficiary's contribution to the eligible expenditure 19.113,62 euro
Evidence of success
The objectives of cultural heritage were rehabilitated,the number of tourists increased,new jobs were created,the quality of cultural events increased. The evidence of success does not rely only on the rehabilitation itself,but on the social and economic added value,cultural heritage beeing part of social life and representing an important economic opportunity.The project was selected to be part of the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018.
Potential for learning or transfer
“The Modernisation and Preservation of Water Castle” is a project implemented by the Drobeta Turnu Severin Town Hall (Romania) in partnership with Negotin Municipality (Republic of Serbia), being financed under the Romania – Republic of Serbia IPA CBC Programme. Together both partners succeeded to regenerate an architectural heritage icon of the Romanian-Serbian border area and give it back to the community. Today, the castle attracts tourists and locals, offering numerous cultural events and an unforgettable view that extends over the Danube, in Serbia.
The implementation of the project leads to increased attractiveness of this cultural objective and to the growth of the number of tourists. Other similar objectives could benefit from this practice taking into consideration that many unused industrial locations can be transformed in cultural objectives. Also, certain methods of financing can be used in other institutions (ex: renting space for different events, exhibitions.)
Tags: Communication, Heritage, Project
