The monumental ensemble “Heroes’ Way” by sculptor Constantin Brâncuși was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List on Saturday.
The ensemble consists of the works “The Table of Silence,” “The Alley of Chairs,” “The Gate of the Kiss,” and “The Endless Column,” created by Constantin Brâncuși between 1935 and 1938.
The National League of Women of Gorj County commissioned these works to honour the heroes who died during World War I.
The decision was made during the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee, held in New Delhi, India, where Romania was represented by a delegation led by the Minister of Culture, Raluca Turcan.
“Enlisting the ‘Heroes’ Way’ monumental ensemble by Constantin Brâncuși in Târgu Jiu on the UNESCO World Heritage List signifies the highest level of international recognition for a great Romanian artist and a masterpiece of monumental art,” Raluca Turcan announced on social media.
She also stated that the recognition “obliges us to protect the ‘Heroes’ Way’ Monumental Ensemble, to preserve it intact for future generations and the cultural memory of humanity.”
“This is a commitment that our country takes at a national level and locally in the city where the monumental ensemble was created,” Raluca Turcan added.
The application for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List was submitted in January 2018, and the International Council on Monuments and Sites evaluated the criteria in 2023.
At the same meeting, the World Heritage Committee also added the “Frontiers of the Roman Empire – Dacia” to the UNESCO World Heritage List. This site comprises 285 components, including legionary fortresses, auxiliary fortresses with civilian settlements, temporary marching camps, and watchtowers across 16 counties of Romania.
“We are witnessing a cultural and identity act that makes us more aware of our past and, at the same time, reminds everyone of Rome’s major influence on the world during the ancient period,” stated the Minister of Culture.
Photo: Lumina Newspaper
