Head of UNESCO Office in Ukraine Assesses Damage to Bernardine Complex in Lviv

K'yara Decci Bardeski, the head of the UNESCO office in Ukraine, along with Andriy Moskalenko, the first deputy mayor of Lviv, Executive Committee manager Yevhen Boyko, and head of the cultural heritage office Tetiana Balukova, conducted an assessment of the extensive damage to the Bernardine complex located in Soborna Square, Lviv. This 17th-century architectural monument, which is under UNESCO protection, was severely impacted by a Russian drone attack on March 24.

The attack resulted in significant damage to several elements of the ensemble. Notably, four stained glass windows in the church were damaged, although it is important to note that these windows are not historical. Additionally, windows in the archive building, as well as the bell tower and residential building constructed in the 18th and 19th centuries, were affected. The most severe destruction occurred in the residential building, where the roof was destroyed due to a direct drone hit, and the ceilings, staircases, 16 apartments, and four non-residential premises in two entrances were also damaged. As a result, some residents had to be evacuated.

Together with representatives from the city council, K'yara Decci Bardeski discussed urgent steps to save this important monument. UNESCO experts also partially inspected the location, provided recommendations to the cultural heritage office, and remain in contact with them. "In the future, it will become clear how UNESCO can provide support, including regarding technical documentation and the possibility of carrying out some urgent works. This is a World Heritage site of national significance, so we are trying to do everything possible to help," she stated.

The head of the UNESCO office emphasized that one of the important areas of the organization's activity in Ukraine is documenting the damage. UNESCO focuses not only on physical restoration but also on improving legislation and developing the professional skills of Ukrainian specialists. According to her, even initial emergency measures require significant technical preparation, making it essential to build a resilient system for protecting cultural heritage.

K'yara Decci Bardeski also noted that the overall scale of destruction in Ukraine remains critical. According to the latest data, buildings and cultural monuments in Ukraine have sustained damage amounting to $3.5 billion, while economic losses total $32 billion. The funds required for recovery over the next 10 years are estimated at $12 billion.

"As of today, UNESCO has officially verified damage to over 526 sites across Ukraine using satellite imagery and expert visits. These include not only historical buildings but also cultural infrastructure, religious structures, archaeological sites, archives, and libraries," she added.

It is worth mentioning that UNESCO representatives also visited other cultural heritage sites in Lviv that have suffered damage due to Russian aggression. This situation underscores the importance of international support and efforts to preserve Ukraine's cultural heritage amid the ongoing war.

Photo: Lviv City Council

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