The Jidova Roman Castrum in Campulung is set to be restored through a project financed with European funds, after the 'Rehabilitation, conservation and enhancement of the Jidova Roman Castrum' initiative submitted by Arges County Council was approved for funding under the South-Muntenia Regional Programme 2021-2027, the council announced on Wednesday.

'Through this project, the archaeological site will benefit from significant investments designed to protect the remains and turn Jidova into an accessible, safe and attractive place for visitors. (...) In 2024, the Jidova Roman Castrum, administered by the Arges County Museum, was included in the UNESCO Heritage List, together with the Roman Limes. It is the best-preserved military structure of its kind along the Transalutanus Limes, a true gem of Roman history that deserves to be protected and valued for future generations,' the County Council informs in a press release.

According to the same source, the project will begin with an extensive archaeological research phase needed to assess all structures identified so far.

'Previous interventions will be evaluated, and those carried out with unsuitable materials - particularly cement mortar - will be removed. Conservation will be undertaken exclusively with materials compatible with the historical ones, without unjustified reconstructions. Only anastylosis interventions will be allowed where research permits authentic partial reconstructions,' further reads the releaseded.

The vestiges currently exposed outdoors will be conserved, and specially designed structures will be built to protect them from the elements while making them accessible to the public. To restore the site's historical appearance, all modern buildings within the castrum will be carefully demolished without endangering the ancient ruins.

The project also includes the construction of the Jidova Museum of History and Archaeology, which will be built outside the archaeological site on a pillar foundation so that the historical soil remains unaffected. The museum will feature reception areas, exhibition spaces and an archaeological laboratory to provide visitors with a complete experience.

'Panels installed on lightweight platforms will guide visitors, and the ruins of the Praetorium will be protected with aerial metal structures and glass walls discreetly integrated into the landscape. (...) The access road to the castrum will be rehabilitated, and a car park for around two coaches and 13 cars will be built next to the site. Inside, visitors will follow a route made from materials appropriate to the historical context,' the County Council also noted.

The total value of the project exceeds 36.7 million lei, of which 25,628,577 lei represents non-reimbursable funding. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: George Onea; EN - writing by: Simona Iacob)