UNMIK and UNESCO have presented the project which is aimed to protect the Castle in Novo Brdo, the monument of the special historical importance, from further decline. Reconstruction of the mediaeval monument is supported by the European Union with EUR 2 million, because it wishes to contribute to the development of the cultural tourism and economy in Kosovo and Metohija.
Mediaeval fortress in Novo Brdo will be reconstructed during 2015, announced officials from the EU in Kosovo, Kosovo Ministry of Culture, UNESCO/UNMIK and the municipality of Novo Brdo, while presenting the project aiming at protection of the monument of special historical importance from further ruination. Representative of the EU Christof Stock said that EU will invest EUR 2 million in the project which will contribute to developing cultural tourism and economy not only in that municipality, but the wider region as well. “Novo Brdo will thus become famous in Europe and entire world, what will contribute to better quality of life of locals,” said Stock. On Beta agency correspondent’s question whether experts from Serbian institutions for protection of monuments of culture will take part in reconstruction, since the fortress is on the list of Serbian monuments of special importance, Stock answered that EU, considering all international standards, has signed the contract with UNESCO which will mobilize the best experts for that project. It was set in purpose that UNESCO leads the projects, since we have potential to provide implementation of international standards, what implies that even the smallest, and religious details, will be respected and that value of the cultural heritage will be preserved, said Stock.
Sinisa Sesum from the Regional UNESCO office in Venice answered the same question and said that UNESCO will take care that all relevant factors are consulted throughout the process of reconstruction, and added that if is very important that Novo Brdo projects is carried out in most successful manner since it is on the UNESCO’s list of priorities since 2003. According to Sesum the fortress will not be rebuilt during the reconstruction, whereas the location will, thanks to EU donation, only be reserved by experts following UNESCO rules, from further decline.
Director of the Provincial Department for Protection of Monuments of Culture from Pristina, displaced to Leposavic, Zoran Garic said to Beta that experts from the Department are not informed about the start of works on revitalization of the fortress in Novo Brdo. “Taking into account that it is about the monument of culture of the special importance we expect participation in its protection, foremost because we’ve been invited so far to cooperate in protection of Serbian cultural heritage in Kosovo and Metohija,” said Garic.
Novo Brdo Fortress
Fortress in Novo Brdo is located some 20 kilometers eastern from Pristina. It was built at the top of the Small Mountain between rivers Prilepnica and Kriva Reka. It was constructed during the reign of King Milutin (1282-1321). It became the most important settlement of German miners Sassies, and the place was also known as Place of Sassies. Fortress was constructed in order to protect rich mines where iron, led, silver and gold was excavated from the mid XIV and later become the most important mine in Serbia, whose pick was reached during the reign of Despot Djuradj (1427/1456) with the estimates of revenues per year of 50.000, 120,000 and even 200.000 golden ducats. The surrounding of the fortress is filled with the remains of settlement and mines from XIV century.
