Description
Transylvanian castles (near the citadels) form one of the most significant parts of its cultural heritage. Safeguarding them and making best use of their potential is vital for local and regional development. According to some estimations there are more than 600 castles and citadels in Transylvania. This heritage has the potential to improve tourism in the region, by offering a greater cultural offer for tourists and by improving the area's capacity to host tourists. Improved conditions for cultural tourism and a clearer promotion of the cultural heritage value in the area can contribute to local and regional development and spur growth in the small and medium sized business sector. The project contributes to the setting up of a network, to strategic thinking regarding hte management of castles in Transylvania taking account of their economic and social value, to the development of local and regional plans, and to the attracting of alternative resources necessary for the restoration of this heritage. The development of a network, where experts of relevant fields can exchange and share information to help increase the sustainability of this cultural heritage that belongs to Romania and the whole Europe, is crucial for the continued safeguarding of this heritage.
Summary of project results
A growing interest towards Transylvanian castles emerged in the past years. The promoter implemented smaller actions for raising awareness on the current state of castles and future perspectives. This project was needed as a step for creating a strategic framework and a methodology on how to work in an integrated, network and cooperation-based approach for the revitalisation of Transylvanian castles. The following results were obtained during the project implementation: the Castle in Transylvania Strategy in three languages for 2016-2025, castleintransylvania.ro platform in three languages with detailed information about 300 castles and mansions from Transylvania, 2 business plans for castles and 5 development models created by young people through an interdisciplinary approach, a Coalition of 30 owners and administrators, 7 events (conferences, workshops, dissemination actions).
Summary of bilateral results