After the Central Post Office in Skopje was named one of the seven most endangered sites in Europe for 2021, we put the spotlight on our European heritage in danger, raise awareness and pave the way toward sustainable future of the selected sites, Jani Makraduli, Director General of North Macedonia Post, said on Friday.
The list of seven most endangered heritage sites and monuments in Europe for 2021 was revealed on Thursday by Europa Nostra – the European voice of civil society committed to cultural and natural heritage and its partner, the European Investment Bank (EIB) Institute. In addition to the Central Post Office in Skopje, the list includes sites and monuments in Austria, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Kosovo and Spain.
The selected seven most endangered heritage sites are eligible for an EIB Heritage Grant of up to €10,000 per site.
Although it can be interpreted as a symbolic sum, yet to be shortlisted is the best application for European funds, said Makraduli.
“The first step was made, we can no longer allow our negligence to be more dangerous than the fire. May this beginning encourage mobilization of much-needed support from the public, experts, the international community and the private sector, too,” he said.
The building survived a massive fire in 2013, but the original glazing of the dome, the murals, and the custom-made furnishings and lighting were either completely lost or suffered serious damage. It has been exposed to the changing weather and climate change for eight years, warned Makraduli.
“Without a doubt, the building instead of closed and forgotten should be open and restored for the world to see through the eyes of our top photographers and lit at night,” he told Friday’s news conference.
EU remains fully committed to protecting cultural heritage, stated EU Ambassador David Geer at the news conference alongside Post Office Director Makraduli.
He recalled that the building designed by architect and artist Janko Konstantinov in the shape of a lotus flower was intended to symbolize the reconstruction of the city of Skopje after the devastating earthquake in 1963.
The Ambassador called it a precious stone of the so called Brutalist architectural style and a symbol of international solidarity after 1963 during relief efforts.
Europa Nostra’s decision, he said, to name the Central Post Office one of the seven most endangered heritage sites in Europe is of great importance.
Geer noted that an alarm has been sounded to the government, the civil society and the business community, as well as the general public and the international community, to take action in a bid to save one of Skopje’s landmarks.
The nomination to the 7 Most Endangered programme 2021 was submitted by the Institute for Research in Environment, Civil Engineering and Energy (IECE) and it is supported by the Post of North Macedonia and the Ministry of Culture.
