World Heritage Site Closed

Recently the world famous Castle Bridge of Kamyanets-Podilsky, one of a hundred UNESCO heritage sites, was closed. As The Day learned from Kamyanets-Podilsky Executive Committee Organizing and Oversight Department Chief Valery Klymenko, “Figuratively speaking, the bridge is tired and in critical condition.” According to an unconfirmed yet uncontested version of Kyiv-based architect Olha Plamenytska, this bridge, which connects downtown Kamyanets- Podilsky with a residential district of Pidzamche, was built by Roman Legionaries. “In the dark period of Turkish rule of 1572 through 1699, the bridge was walled on both sides. Legend has it that the Turks even forced the locals to make the cliffs connected by the bridge smooth and steep,” says Valery Klymenko. The Nazis did not ignore this old engineering structure either, covering it with a layer of concrete to make it suitable for heavy tanks. Thus, the conquerors approached the bridge in their own special way. Meanwhile, today UAH 1.1 million is needed to save the Castle (Turkish) Bridge and restore it to its original purpose as conceived by its first builders. “The 2004 budget provides half a million hryvnias for the renovation and protection of all architectural monuments in town,” says Valery Klymenko. Thus, the town fathers are now soliciting contributions from all possible authorities and funds. Aside from their care for historical heritage, they have been forced to do so by the residents of Pidzamche, who are now as if stranded on an island walled by high cliffs.