On 26th – 27th February, South West Oltenia Region (Romania) hosted the second Interregional Workshop and the first partnership meeting within the framework of the Interreg Europe project “FINCH - Financing impact on regional development of cultural heritage valorization”.
Partners coming from Italy, Germany, Finland and Greece visited the good practices identified in South- West Oltenia Region:
- the Water Castle in Drobeta Turnu Severin, born to ensure water supply to the city it was inaugurated in 1914; once it lost its utility it suffered a long period of abandonment until 2012 when it turned into a touristic site – following rehabilitation works financed by EU resources; today it hosts exhibition spaces, cultural events and a lift permits a 360° panoramic view of the area;
- the Palace of Culture "Theodor Costescu" in Drobeta Turnu Severin – part of the Romanian National Cultural heritage list – since 2010 were subject of major restoration works funded by public resources (EU, National, Regional and from the Municipality); today they attract many visitors thanks to a large theatre, exhibition areas and green park area on the Danube river;
- the Iron Gates Region Museum in Drobeta Turnu Severin that includes a building that houses the archeological museums since 1912 (with over 100.000 pieces including four sections: history, natural sciences, ethnography and folklore&art) and it is located in an archeological area that hosts remains of Drobeta Roman military settlement (Trajan’s bridge over the Danube, the amphitheatre, thermal building,) ; the whole complex is now subject to major renewal works and will re-open in May 2019 to offer a modern touristic and cultural “product” to its visitors
- the Art Museum in Craiova – hosted in the Jean Mihail Palace (1898 - 1907). The main building, listed as historical monument of national importance, owns nearly 9.000 valuable works (painting, sculptures...); it was recently restored with Eu funds. The presentation also included details about the new Interactive Touristic Center - built in close proximity of Craiova Art Museum with innovative solutions and elements - in order to host and valorize the masterpieces of the worldwide famous Romanian artist Brancusi (foreseen opening: September 2019)
All visits involved the active participation of the local actors and sites’ managers that illustrated the history and characteristics of the cultural attractions, followed by peer review session amongst PPs.
