Reconstruction regarded as unsatisfactory by UNESCO or ICOMOS
Connected Sites
Site | Rationale | Link |
Agrigento | "It must be recognized, of course, that some restoration work carried out in the late 18th and 19th centuries in no way conforms with the principles of modem conservation, as set out in the 1964 Venice Charter. The restored pediment of the Temple of the Dioscuri is an example of inaccurate reconstruction that did not operate on the basis of rigorous anastylosis." (AB Ev) | |
Al-Faw | "Two tower tombs have been restored in the past with the construction of a circular dry-stone wall at the foot of the mudbrick cores. These interventions aimed at strengthening the cores and avoiding their collapse but have proven problematic both visually and technically as they risk trapping water on the bases of the mudbrick towers." (AB Ev) | |
Babylon | ||
Bagan | During the 1990s, the national government undertook a widespread programme of rebuilding and reconstruction, often using hard masonry and incorporating design elements for which there was no historical evidence (ICOMOS) | |
Beijing Central Axis | "ICOMOS notes two elements of concern in relation to authenticity. The first relates to the remodelling and extension of Tian'anmen Square Complex during the 20th century. The second concern refers to the reconstruction of the Yongdingmen Gate in 2005 after its demolition in 1957. ICOMOS considers that the authenticity of the Tian'anmen Square Complex and the Yongdingmen Gate has been compromised." - AB Evaluation | |
Biblical Tells | Tel Beersheba | |
Bolgar | authenticity of the reconstruction of the Great Minaret (2001) & past conservation activities at the property which included reconstructions and partial rebuilding works (Nom File). | |
Danube Limes | "The most extensive reconstruction is at Carnuntum, where work is still in progress and, although reversible, is in places conjectural. At Iža (Kelemantia) parts of the fort have been rebuilt in a way that is not readily distinguishable from original material. (...) Large-scale conjectural reconstruction on top of original fabric needs to be avoided." (Brief synthesis) | |
Island of Gorée | "The replica of the "Gorée Memorial" on the Castle is an eloquent example of what should be avoided when preserving the integrity of the site and, in agreement with UNESCO, a modification of this work will be undertaken." (Official description) | |
Quebrada de Humahuaca | Pucara of Tilcara | |
Rhodes | "especially the Grand Masters' Palace, which was entirely reconstructed in the style of the 1500s and sumptuously appointed to serve as the residence of Victor-Emmanuel III and 11 Duce, are grandiose pastiches which are devoid of archaeological rigor ... The monumental fountains that embellish public squares were similarly inspired by an outlook comdemned by the Charter of Venice...pseudo-medieval monuments” (AB ev) | |
Sassanid Archaeological Landscape | include today a large percentage of new materials, namely plaster and black cement, with new stones used for the facing of the walls. This situation, in ICOMOS’ view, directly affects the authenticity of the monuments within the nominated property. (AB ev) | |
Sceilg Mhichíl | ||
Sheki | "In some repairs, inappropriate materials including concrete and cement mixtures had been used, while new architectural developments, predominantly for hotel functions, had not respected the volumes and proportions of the historic architectural fabric. All of this led to the conclusion that integrity and authenticity had been affected by past and recent developments and restorations to such a degree that they could not meet the necessary levels." - AB Evaluation | |
The Royal Court of Tiébélé | "The development of the use of new materials, such as cement, corrugated sheet metal, metal windows, and tar or other chemicals to replace the natural pigments used for the mural decorations, could adversely affect the authenticity of the nominated property. Two concessions have been rebuilt using cement agglomerate, with corrugated sheet metal roofing and metal joinery, in an architectural style which differs from the traditional typology of Kasena concessions." (Ab Ev) | |
Tiwanaku | ||
Villa Romana del Casale | "A great deal of conservation work was carried out, some of which is now acknowledged to have been inappropriate, in particular the use of reinforced concrete slabs for supporting some of the mosaics." (AB Ev) |
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