Up to UAH 3 Million Allocated for the Preparation of a Restoration Project for One of the Most Important Historical Monuments in the Chernivtsi Region

The Deterioration of the Fortress Walls Continues

A new section of the walls of Khotyn Fortress, one of the most important historical monuments in the Chernivtsi region, has collapsed. According to Elizaveta Buinovska, Director of the National Historical and Architectural Reserve “Khotyn Fortress”, the exact causes are still being investigated, but preliminary assessments indicate that the affected section lacked sufficient structural support.

The collapse occurred in the morning, at a time when there were no tourists or employees on the fortress grounds. The affected section was first identified by security personnel, and four merlons located above the damaged area collapsed toward the outside of the fortress.

The Area Had Been Secured for Visitors

According to the reserve administration, the area near the damaged wall had been fenced off since spring, following an earlier collapse, meaning that the recent incident did not pose a direct danger to tourists.

Buinovska explained that, following the collapse of another section of the wall in April, the merlons remaining above the affected area were left without adequate support, which contributed to their subsequent deterioration.

Restoration Cannot Begin Without Documentation and Approvals

Emergency interventions could not be carried out immediately because the monument has national significance status, and any work on its structure requires the appropriate approvals and technical documentation.

The fortress administration emphasizes that the restoration work must be carefully planned to ensure the protection of both the monument and the personnel involved in the restoration process.

The Wall Presents Significant Technical Challenges

Following the initial collapse, the affected section was examined by specialized commissions comprising representatives of the Ministry of Culture, restorers, engineers, and structural specialists.

The assessments showed that restoration is particularly complex from a technical standpoint because the wall is located on the steep slope of the canyon. Under these conditions, conventional construction methods and equipment cannot be used.

3D Scanning and Ground-Penetrating Radar Surveys for the Restoration Project

Preliminary investigations required for the development of the restoration project are currently being carried out at Khotyn Fortress. Specialists have conducted a 3D scan of the fortress and a ground-penetrating radar survey of the site.

The data obtained will provide information about the ground structure, potential cavities, and other characteristics that must be taken into account when determining the technical solutions for strengthening and restoring the wall.

The Drainage System, a Priority for Protecting the Walls

Another important issue concerns the management of rainwater. According to the administration, historical records indicate that a drainage system once existed on the fortress grounds but was subsequently covered during reconstruction works.

Today, the accumulation of water in certain areas may contribute to the deterioration of the historical structures. Restoring or reconstructing a drainage system could reduce the risks and help prevent further damage.

The Restoration Will Cover a Larger Section

The collapsed section of the wall is to be fully restored. The project will also cover the adjacent section located between the southwestern tower and the northern tower, including the Commandant’s Tower.

The total cost of the investment has not yet been determined and will be established after the technical documentation and restoration project have been completed.

Ministry of Culture Funds the Design and Planning Stage

The Ministry of Culture has already allocated up to UAH 3 million for the preparation of two sets of scientific and design documentation required for interventions on the monument.

The reserve administration states that the objective is not merely to repair the damaged section, but to identify a durable technical solution that will contribute to the long-term preservation of Khotyn Fortress.

International Funding Is Being Sought for the Restoration Works

For the restoration phase itself, the reserve administration intends to attract international donors and sponsors. The complexity of the intervention and the historical significance of the monument make it necessary to identify additional sources of funding.

In this context, technical investigations and project documentation represent an essential stage in preparing for a large-scale intervention at one of the most important cultural heritage sites in the Chernivtsi region.