Description
The south tower of the Roman Catholic Archbishopric of Alba Iulia can’t be opened to the public due to its condition. In order to optimise its touristic potential, improvements need to be made for added safety for visitors and thematic exhibitions need to be developed. The reopening of the „Maiestas Dominii” gate (the southern gate of the cathedral) and adding a special elevator for disabled people will grant access to the building. The general objective of the project is to enable public access (including disabled people) to this heritage site and optimise its potential to attract visitors by including it in the touristic circuit. The primary target groups are: tourists who visit the cathedral - more than 40.000 people/year from 17 countries, disabled people visiting the cathedral, employees of the archbishopric and specialists who are in charge of the restoration and valorisation of the heritage site.
Summary of project results
The general objective of the project was to enable public access in the southern tower of the Saint Michael Cathedral in Alba Iulia and to capitalize on it by including it in the touristic circuit. The project’s objective was also to ensure public access into the cathedral for persons with disabilities. The implementation of the project included the restoration of the interior of the southern tower, enabling access into the cathedral for persons with disabilities through the purchase of a special elevator, creating a new exhibition space in the interior of the southern tower presenting the restoration process and cultural items belonging to the Roman Catholic Archbishopric of Alba Iulia. The general objective of the project was fully achieved. The main beneficiary of the project is the Roman Catholic Archbishopric of Alba Iulia (with more than 400.000 church members) as well as all potential visitors of the cathedral. Through the implementation of the project the church members and the tourists visiting Alba Iulia will enjoy a restored heritage site, which has been capitalized through the organization of a permanent exhibition showcasing religious items significant from the cultural and spiritual point of view.
Summary of bilateral results