Italy Partners with UNESCO to Give €500,000 Facelift to Damaged Odessa’s Transfiguration Cathedral

Information and Education Department of UOC – OCP News Service – 14/02/2024

Kyiv – Ukraine: Italy has pledged €500,000 towards the restoration of the Transfiguration Cathedral in Odessa, a historic landmark partially destroyed by Russian shelling in July 2023. The agreement was signed between the Italian government and UNESCO, marking a significant step in the cathedral’s revival.

This initial contribution follows an October 2023 agreement between Italy and Ukraine on the cathedral’s restoration. The €500,000 will be used for priority repair works, aiming to stabilize the damaged structure and prevent further deterioration.

“With the beginning of Italy’s presidency of the G7, the issue of Ukraine’s reconstruction has become one of the group’s priorities,” said David La Cecilia, Italy’s Special Envoy for Restoring and Strengthening the Resilience of Ukraine.

The Transfiguration Cathedral, built in the late 18th century, is a prominent architectural and spiritual symbol of Odessa.

This contribution from Italy is part of a wider effort to restore cultural heritage sites damaged during the conflict. UNESCO, along with international partners, is coordinating restoration projects across Ukraine.

“The restoration of the Transfiguration Cathedral is a beacon of hope for the people of Odessa and Ukraine,” said Chiara Dezzi Bardeschi, UNESCO Coordinator in Ukraine. “It represents the resilience of cultural heritage and the importance of international cooperation in rebuilding communities.”

While the €500,000 is a starting point, more funds are needed to fully restore the cathedral. The Ukrainian government, with the support of international donors, is committed to seeing the project through.

Italy Commits €500,000 to Aid Restoration of Odessa’s Transfiguration Cathedral

Source:

OCP News Service