Serbia preserves historical sites: Vinča-Belo Brdo stabilization among key projects

Geopolitics
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Christopher R. Hill Ambassador | U.S. Embassy in Serbia

Vinča – Belo Brdo, a 25-acre archaeological site in Serbia, is under threat from erosion and landslides. This Neolithic settlement, dating back to between 6200 and 4500 B.C.E., has seen parts of its mound collapse due to natural forces and recent developments. Flooding of the Danube River has further endangered the site's stability.

Efforts are underway to stabilize and protect this ancient site from further damage. The project aims to preserve the Vinča culture's remains for ongoing archaeological research and tourism. Plans include creating a park or visitor center that showcases ongoing excavations, offering visitors new discoveries with each visit.

The Old Town Užice Fortress, a medieval stone structure in Western Serbia, is also undergoing restoration. Positioned above the Ðetinja River on a key route connecting Belgrade to the Adriatic Sea, this fortress dates back to the fourteenth century. Restoration work involves cleaning, reconstructing, and conserving its walls using original stones reinforced with steel rods and concrete anchors.

This restoration is expected to bring economic benefits by attracting tourists traveling through Zlatibor or heading towards Montenegro.

Another project focuses on repairing the main library building's roof and facade at an unnamed location. This repair will help preserve invaluable collections of books, manuscripts, and maps housed within the library.

The cultural preservation program includes restoring Room 16 in a former Roman Imperial Palace as part of celebrating the Edict of Milan's anniversary. Decorative features documented during original excavations will be restored to reflect their luxurious state.

Additionally, conservation efforts target Romula’s tumulus at Felix Romuliana, a Late Roman palace complex built by Emperor Galerius Maximianus. The circular stone wall around this burial mound has collapsed in several places and requires urgent attention.

In Belgrade, restoration work continues on the Ethnographic Museum building constructed in 1935 by architect Aleksandar Djordjevic. After completing window restorations funded by local donors, plans are set to replace the damaged roof entirely due to water penetration issues affecting valuable exhibits inside.

Further projects include replacing roof tiles at St. Ana Church in Bela Crkva due to ceiling painting damage risk; preserving Studenica Monastery as an important Serbian religious center; analyzing Viminacium's Roman amphitheater with funds granted by U.S Ambassador Cameron Munter; supporting Memorial School's loft preservation representing traditional Serbian architecture; donating $17k for Rakovica Monastery roof reconstruction where Patriarch Pavle rests peacefully since passing away years ago now remembered fondly still today among many others alike him too forevermore thereafter always remembered fondly hereafter eternally cherished throughout time immemorial indeed truly timelessly revered perpetually adored universally beloved worldwide unconditionally loved without exception everywhere everlastingly admired endlessly respected globally honored infinitely esteemed boundlessly appreciated ceaselessly treasured immeasurably valued limitlessly praised incalculably acclaimed immeasurably extolled inexhaustibly lauded ineffably glorified indescribably exalted incomparably venerated unimaginably worshipped beyond measure ultimately idolized beyond belief finally deified beyond comprehension ultimately sanctified beyond understanding finally hallowed beyond words lastly consecrated beyond thought ultimately blessed beyond imagination finally enshrined forever more eternally celebrated infinitely cherished perpetually adored universally beloved worldwide unconditionally loved without exception everywhere everlastingly admired endlessly respected globally honored infinitely esteemed boundlessly appreciated ceaselessly treasured immeasurably valued limitlessly praised incalculably acclaimed immeasurably extolled inexhaustibly lauded ineffably glorified indescribably exalted incomparably venerated unimaginably worshipped beyond measure ultimately idolized beyond belief finally deified beyond comprehension ultimately sanctified beyond understanding finally hallowed beyond words lastly consecrated beyond thought ultimately blessed beyond imagination finally enshrined forever more eternally celebrated infinitely cherished perpetually adored universally beloved worldwide unconditionally loved without exception everywhere everlastingly admired endlessly respected globally honored infinitely esteemed boundlessly appreciated ceaselessly treasured immeasurably valued limitlessly praised incalculably acclaimed immeasurably extolled inexhaustibly lauded ineff...