Pro Patrimonio has developed a spectacular three-dimensional map of the Lipscani area to promote this wonderful area of old Bucharest.

The Lipscani area was the active merchant center of Bucharest since the early days of the city and one of the most active merchant centers in the Balkans. To-day the area has kept its character even though most buildings date from the early nineteenth century when the city was rebuild after a huge fire. The main street is strada Lipscani which takes its name from Lipsca, the Romanian name of the city of Leipzig, where many of the wares sold came from. All trades had shops in the Lipscani area from goldsmiths to tanners and shoemakers. The Ceausescu regime planned its demolition, but fortunately was not able to complete it. Even so, the district is in a poor state of neglect.

The design of the panoramic map was coordinated by architect Aurelian Triscu, professor of history of architecture at the Institute of Architecture "Ion Mincu" of Bucharest and a member of the Pro Patrimonio Board and was financed by the United States Embassy in Bucharest. The map designer was designed by Catalin Ilinca from the Media 9 Studio and by map designer Catalin Ilinca and by photographer Gabi Balanescu.

click on thumbnails to see the bigger images

An event for launching the map and the conclusion of the restoration work at the Stavropoleos church located in the area took place on July 1st 2004. It was attended by HE Mr. Michael Guest, the United States ambassador to Bucharest, Father Marchis of the Stavropoleos church, Mrs. Maria Berza, vice-president of Pro Patrimonio, other Pro Patrimonio representatives and volunteers, by map designer Catalin Ilinca and photographer Gabi Balanescu.

The map was edited by Pro Patrimonio and was sponsored and financed by the US Embassy in Bucharest.

The map is available for sale in various outlets and the proceeds are used to finance Pro Patrimonio activities.

Over 1,000 copies have been sold till the end of December 2004.