The European heritage organization Europa Nostra and the European Investment Bank Institute have a plan to save wooden churches in Romania’s southern Transylvania and northern Oltenia regions while creating some jobs in the process.

The churches were included in ‘The 7 Most Endangered’ heritage sites in Europe in 2014, following a nomination by the national heritage NGO Pro Patrimonio Foundation.

First, the experts recommend creating a steering committee of key representatives. They expect greater involvement from the owner of these churches, the Orthodox Church, and various Government Ministries. Experts believe that several financing possibilities should also be explored, mainly EU structural & investment funds, according to a statement of Europa Nostra.

“The program is relatively modes. The approximate total cost is EUR 2.5 million and could make a considerable impact on preserving the unique cultural and religious heritage in these rural areas,” reads the report.

The plan comprises 74 wooden churches dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. Most of them are in Hunedoara, Sibiu, Valcea and Gorj counties. Experts selected them based on various criteria: urgency of renovation work, potential use, heritage value, tourism interest and local support.

The plan proposes three phases. The action phase consists of a balanced mix of activities to complete the restoration of 8 priority churches and to prepare subsequent steps. Assuming viable financing, this stage could take place from early 2015 to end-2018.

The second phase, which includes the completion of 16 medium priority churches, would be held between mid-2016 and end-2019. The third stage involves other potentially viable schemes (some 20 churches) and should be done between mid-2017 and end-2020.

Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com