13 Sep Opening of the Architectural Heritage Forum in Bratsigovo: Dialogue between Archaeology and Architecture
The Architectural Forum for Cultural and Historical Heritage was officially opened with a solemn ceremony in the town of Bratsigovo.
The theme of the event, “Archaeology and Architecture”, brought together representatives of various professional fields who emphasized the link between cultural heritage and its contemporary application. The culmination of the forum was the signing of a “Memorandum of Partnership in the field of preservation of immovable cultural heritage, traditions, architecture, archaeology and arts”, which marks a new stage in the cooperation between different institutions and experts. The Forum is held under the patronage and with the financial support of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Bulgaria. The Mayor of the Municipality of Bratsigovo, Nadezhda Kazakova, opened the event with an inspiring speech about the importance of local building traditions and in particular the Bratsigovo School of Architecture. She stressed that it was in this region that part of the foundations of the Bulgarian Revival were laid, as the freedom fighters left a deep imprint in the cultural and construction history of Bulgaria. Valentina Kaitazova, Regional Governor of Pazardzhik, highlighted the legacy of the Bratsigov masters and their achievements, which remain a strong message of the pursuit of freedom and happiness. She expressed her belief that this forum is a testament to the continued life of these messages. H.E. Giuseppina Dzara, Ambassador of Italy to Bulgaria, stressed the importance of the exchange between Bulgaria and Italy in the field of cultural heritage. According to her, such cooperation would not only strengthen cultural ties, but also promote economic development and awareness of the need to preserve cultural heritage. She also announced Italy’s readiness to support the construction of a school in Bratsigovo. The President of Confindustria Bulgaria, Roberto Santorelli, admired the opportunity of the forum to bring together experts from both countries. According to him, archaeology and architecture are priceless treasures that should not only be protected, but also given additional value through restoration and digitalization – a key topic also touched upon by the Italian Arch. Andrea Griletto, Director of the Association of Restorers in Italy. During the opening, the topic of adding value to cultural objects through restoration was intensively discussed. Eng. Vincenzo Calvanese, Technical Director of Pompeii Archaeological Park, commented on the importance of creating a network between cultural monuments in order to achieve the international recognition the sites deserve. The Director of the National Museum of History, Associate Professor Dr. Bonnie Petrunova, highlighted the importance of the Forum as a platform that brings together archaeologists and architects for joint discussions and solutions. She noted the absence of a representative from the Ministry of Culture, but stressed the importance of the signed memorandum as a key moment for future cooperation. Slawka Bozukova, Cultural Heritage Society representative of Europa Nostra for Bulgaria, expressed satisfaction that civil society is taking important steps in preserving cultural heritage, often even before state institutions.
Mila Nenova, Executive Director of the Bulgarian Investment Agency, emphasized the opportunity to use cultural heritage as a tool to promote Bulgaria as an investment destination, highlighting the practical aspects of preservation.
The event was complemented by the opening of the exhibition “Bulgaria and the Mosaics”, realized by the Balkan Heritage Foundation for the State Cultural Institute under the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria.
Snezhana Yoveva-Dimitrova, Director of the Institute, and Angela Pencheva, Member of the Board of the Foundation, presented the exhibition as a significant project that highlights the link between cultural heritage and contemporary art forms. The exhibition highlighted the importance of mosaics as an expression of cultural continuity and a symbol of national identity, revealing Bulgaria’s rich heritage in an international context.
The architectural forum in Bratsigovo not only brought together professionals from the fields of architecture, archaeology and cultural heritage, but also opened new horizons for cooperation between Bulgaria and Italy.
The memorandum signed symbolized the determination to preserve and promote cultural values, and the discussions at the forum highlighted the importance of restoration and the modern application of old building techniques.
The event not only highlighted the role of cultural heritage as an economic resource, but also drew attention to the importance of modern technology and innovation in the process of conservation and promotion of cultural property.
Archaeology and architecture proved to be a strong catalyst for dialogue between past and future, with a clear message about the opportunities Bulgaria has to preserve and develop its rich history and cultural heritage.
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