State of Conservation (SOC)

Requests Approved: 0 (from1995-2000)
Total Amount Ap proved: 138,180USD

UNESCO missions 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000;

Rehabilitation and restoration programme; urgent restoration and infrastructural upgrading; revitalisation programme.

The World Heritage Centre has received letters from Lithuania citizens calling attention to a ‘Detailed Plan’ for Vilnius, which if approved, will have a serious impact on the Old City of Vilnius.  Some of the issues raised are destruction of green spaces, development of high-rise buildings and changes to the historic character of houses. 

The World Heritage Centre arranged a meeting with the Permanent Delegation of Lithuania and ICOMOS on 22 April 2005 to discuss these issues.  The Permanent Delegation explained that, in response to the preparation of the ‘Detailed Plan’ for Vilnius, Lithuania invited three independent teams of experts to review the plan.  According to the recommendations of these experts, this plan is being revised taking into account the importance of Vilnius and respecting its World Heritage status.  Furthermore, on 20 April 2005, a new Law on the Protection of Cultural Heritage has entered into force, ensuring further protection to the cultural heritage of Lithuania. 

A number of high-rise buildings have however already been constructed opposite the Old Town of Vilnius, outside the buffer zone.  Attention has also been drawn to the wooden heritage in the construction areas where a number of historic wooden buildings are being demolished.