Conservation of Cesis Medieval castle for regional socioeconomic development

Project facts

Project promoter:
Cesis county municipality
Project Number:
LV04-0009
Target groups
Students,
Elderly people
Status:
Completed
Initial project cost:
€276,193
Final project cost:
€273,934
From EEA Grants:
€ 210,049
The project is carried out in:
Latvia

Description

The project „Conservation of Cēsis medieval castle for regional socioeconomic development” aims to preserve and enhance Cēsis medieval castle – a cultural heritage site of national and international importance. Planned activities include the conservation of Cēsis castle’s Western tower, including the authentic 16th century brick vault; improvement of visitor access to and within the tower; experience exchange between cultural heritage conservation experts in Latvia and Norway; involvement of Cēsis’ local inhabitants in public discussions about the role of cultural heritage in local development and conservation training by Norwegian and Latvian experts at Cēsis castle. As a result the preservation of Cesis medieval castle will be ensured, its built environment will be enhanced for cultural and educational activities (concerts, film screenings, interactive educational programs, art installations and projections) both for local inhabitants and cultural tourists. Conservators and stone masons in Latvia, working in the area of conservation of heritage ruins, will gain a higher professional qualification. An international conference about innovative cultural events in authentic cultural heritage sites will be held, disseminating conference results in both countries.The project is organised by Cēsis municipality (Latvia) in cooperation with Østfold county council (Norway). The donor project partner is involved in the project opening and closing events in Cēsis, organisation of the experience exchange visit in Østfold, participation in the workshop on conservation of masonry ruins for craftsmen and conservators in Cēsis, planning and organizing the international conference „Innovative and unique cultural productions in cultural heritage sites, respecting and highlighting the authentic environment” in Cēsis and project publicity in Østfold county. The project target group is all regional and state society and foreign tourists.

Summary of project results

The Cēsis castle complex is located in the center of Cēsis and in the Middle Ages it was one of the most important outposts of the Teutonic Order in the Baltics but today they are the most impressive and the pre-served castle ruins in Latvia.In 2013 the Master's Hall, the most valuable part of the medieval castle interior in terms of cultural historical heritage, was closed to visitors because of damages.The roof of the western tower installed in 1914 was also in an extremely poor condition.The project included the conservation of the outer walls of the western tower of the castle, renovation of the tower's clay tile roof, installation of a lightning protection system in the tower, repair and improvement of the spiral staircase, construction of a pedestrian footbridge and renovation of the access stairs. In the Master's Hall, brick vaults were conserved, shutters were installed and a wooden floor was laid, a wall-supported wooden floor covering was installed in the room above the hall.All restoration works has been done using several restoration technics-cleaning, reinforcement, replacement and retouching.The workshop "Masonry conservation" with participation of the experts from the project partner Ostfold City Council was organized in the project. The international conference "Innovative Cultural Practices in Cultural Heritage Sits" was organized in project with participation of the experts from Latvia and Norway, involving Cēsis’ local inhabitants in public discussions about the role of cultural heritage in local development and conservation.The Master's Hall and the western tower is opened to the public and cultural events can be held in the restored space.The project was great opportunity to preserve valuable cultural monument and to gain knowledge and experience how to do restoration work professionally and respecting the modern principles of conservation of cultural monuments. The object has been awarded: first place in the Restoration category of the annual Latvian Construction Awards 2015.

Summary of bilateral results

The experience exchange between cultural heritage conservation experts in Latvia and Norway helped to improve knowledge and technics of the restoration work. Involvement of Cēsis’ local inhabitants in public discussions about the role of cultural heritage in local development and conservation and training by Norwegian and Latvian experts at Cēsis castle helped to improve mutual understanding and to create new contacts for the further possible cooperation. The Østfold County Council (Norway) was involved in the project opening and closing events in Cēsis, organization of the experience exchange visit in Østfold and participated in the workshop on conservation of masonry ruins for craftsmen and conservators in Cēsis and also was involved in the project planning and organization of the international conference "Innovative Cultural Practices in Cultural Heritage Sits". The close cooperation helped to implement the project using the best practices and helped to strengthening relationship between the municipalities. Very valuable was practical workshop for restorers - 20 restores from Latvia was trained by 2 Norway experts. This practical workshop have sustainable effect because the new practices and knowledge will be used in other restoration sites.