The first stage of restoration works carried out at Tighina Fortress has been completed. How does it look?

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) announces that the first stage of conservation works carried out between 2021 and 2023 at Tighina/Bender Fortress has been completed. The investments amounted to over 1.4 million euros, provided by the European Union through the “Confidence-Building Measures” Program.

According to the UNDP, the technologies used for the conservation works in the first stage, including the reinforcement of the most critical areas of the Upper and Lower Fortress, comply with international standards and practices.

For example, in order to determine the historic mortar, a series of chemical and petrographic tests were conducted in Istanbul, Turkey, as such tests cannot be carried out in the Republic of Moldova. Additionally, over 127.2 cubic meters of historic mortar, manufactured according to historical recipes, were used for the restoration and reinforcement works.

The works carried out in the first stage consisted of:

• Reinforcing all areas/structural elements at risk of collapse in both the Upper Fortress (citadel) and the Lower Fortress.
• Complete conservation of the eastern wall of Tighina/Bender Fortress.
• Complete restoration of the three wall towers in the eastern area of the fortress, including the roofs, faithfully reproducing the original versions.
• Modernization of the rainwater drainage system.
• Securing the stairs and passageways in accordance with international standards.

Following the restoration of Tighina/Bender Fortress, which dates back to the 15th century, the tourism potential of this historical site will increase, leading to subsequent benefits for the local economy.

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The conservation and restoration of Tighina/Bender Fortress, along with the Circus in Chișinău, are two emblematic cultural heritage sites that have been restored with the support of the EU program “Confidence-Building Measures.”

It is worth mentioning that the “Confidence-Building Measures” program, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP, contributes to strengthening trust between residents on both banks of the Dniester River through their involvement in joint development projects.