MICASASA (Romania) A hot summer day in remote Transylvanian village Micasasa sees Eugen Vaida, a Romanian architect, busy coordinating a group of volunteers to help restore a centuries-old castle that is on the verge of collapse.Vaida, who launched the Ambulance for Monuments program in 2016, said that it was in a state of advanced degradation and is a monument of national significance.The Ambulance for Monuments' mission is simple: To race around Balkan countries, providing critical care to historic buildings in advanced stages of decay.Ambulance for Monuments was founded in 2000 and has saved 55 historic structures, including medieval churches and old watermills, from falling into ruin.The project is restoring the Brukenthal Castle (16th century), which is located in a wide valley at the foothills the Carpathian Mountain Basin. This historic building, once home to powerful aristocrats, was used until the turn of this century as a primary school.The castle has been neglected for more than two decades and is in dire need of repair.It would probably have reached a point where it was impossible to save it, which would have made it a ruin that you can't rebuild again," Vaida stated. Heritage cannot be renewed.Although the castle's interior measures 600m (6,460 feet), its roof leaks, its timbers are rotting, and a part of the key structural wall supporting it has been compromised by decades of neglect. Vaida's project is supported by many volunteers, who play an important part in the preservation of Romania's past.Vaida, a young person who was fascinated by heritage objects as a child, stated that younger people are becoming more aware of their cultural identity. Our spiritual development is dependent on our cultural identity, our heritage.Continue the storyMicasasas mayor Timotei Paurar, aged 30, was directly involved in efforts to save the building from destruction. He holds the most important and most overlooked historic building in the village a special place of poignant importance.Pacurar explained to the AP that this was the room I was in when I first started school. It was disappointing to see the building nearly collapse.Pacurar is seen in his childhood classroom that was falling apart, which he shared it with Adrian Suciu, his best friend and Micasasas deputy Mayor. The pair had high hopes for saving the historic building when they won the local election. Both of them have helped out with manual labor.Suciu stated that the place was destroyed in 20 years. It is a great thing that the Ambulance for Monuments has organized this event. As you can see, it has been raining throughout the area.Romania has several hundred monuments that are in advanced decay. Vaida says that poor state management, weak legislation, and lack of funding have all had a negative impact on Romania's rich heritage over the years.Vaida stated that over the past 30 years, it wasn't just that buildings have been abandoned by communities, but that the state also supported them.The Ambulance for Monuments and other civic initiatives are helping to preserve what they can. It is not intended to restore all buildings, as that would require specialized expertise. Instead, the project aims to save as many historical monuments as possible.There are churches in the area that are tentatively listed by UNESCO since the 14th century. They have amazing paintings that actually rain, according to Vaida, who was repairing castle roofs.Local residents provided food and housing for volunteers. Many of these students are in architecture, archeology and structural engineering.Erika Nagy is a student of architecture at the University of London. She has been volunteering in Micasasasa for over two weeks.Nagy, a close friend of mine, told me about Ambulance for Monuments. Old buildings and architecture are part of us, and we should preserve them.Prince Charles is one of the most prominent supporters of the group. He has strong ties to Romania, where his Prince of Wales Foundation owns historic properties and promotes preservation of nature and heritage.Vaida stated that the Prince of Wales believed in the project from its beginning. He visited the area two years ago, and spoke with all of them to learn their stories and to understand why they want to preserve their heritage.The volunteers begin to measure, saw, and hammer away at the castle's roof timbers as the evening draws in. Although the work is labor-intensive, it will keep the castle, which dates back centuries, from falling apart.Pacurar stated that the future is in our control and that we have the power to change it. This building can be a treasure for our community and look great again.Vaida spends his time driving between surgeries and has used a franchise system over the years to expand the project. It now covers approximately 60% of Romania. Vaida also hopes to take his ambulance project overseas in countries that have similar problems.His main goal is to save as much Romania's architectural heritage for the time being.He stated that the plan was to spread the territory over the entire country in the next five-years. To save their cultural identity, every Romanian must at some point be able to place a tile or nail on a roof.___One Good Thing is a series that focuses on individuals whose actions bring joy in difficult times. It features stories about people who find a way make a difference no matter what size. You can read the entire collection at https://apnews.com/hub/one good-thing
