A number of 24 architectural monuments, six of which are situated in the municipality of Chisinau, were included in the Red List of Moldova’s cultural heritage that was presented in a news conference held on the occasion of the European Heritage Days. The list also contains mansions, churches, villas and museum complexes that are all in a state of ruin, IPN reports.

Director General of the Agency for Monument Inspection and Restoration Ion Stefanita said the only way to save the monuments is to concede them to economic entities. Not only the architectural monuments will gain from this, but also the investors. But the concession must be legal and transparent.

In the news conference, Minister of Culture Monica Babuc said that over 20,000 Europeans will this year take part in different events focusing on the European cultural heritage, including the Moldovans. “This is very important as we can consider ourselves as European people with European values only this way,” she stated.

Deputy Minister of Culture Gheoghe Postica underlined that the European countries have very old monuments that are opened for visitors only during the European Heritage Days.

In Moldova there are 1,682 historical, art and archeological monuments. A sum of 17 million lei was earmarked for their restoration in 2014.

The European Heritage Days are taking place on September 19-30.