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World Monuments Fund 2010 Watch List Includes Two Colombian Sites

Yesterday the World Monuments Fund (WMF) announced the 2010 World Monuments Watch:

http://www.wmf.org/sites/default/files/press_releases/2010_Watch_Annou...

"Every day, the places that mean the most to people are threatened by neglect, demolition, or disaster.

Every two years since 1996, the World Monuments Watch has focused global attention on cultural heritage sites around the world that are facing such dangers and that illuminate current issues in the field of heritage preservation."

The 2010 Watch List includes two sites in Colombia:

SAN FERNANDO AND SAN JOSE FORTRESSES
Cartagena de Indias

"Emerging from the steel-blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, the fortresses of San Fernando and San José stand sentinel over Cartagena Bay’s inlet. Constructed in the 18th century under the watchful eye of King Ferdinand VI, the great white-stone façades of the military strongholds offered protection to Spanish settlements in the New World. San José, the first to be completed, was destroyed by the British Admiral Vernon in 1741, only to be rebuilt following the plans of engineer Ignacio Sala in 1752. San Fernando’s structure, initially composed of brushwood and mud, was completed in stone according to the plans of Juan Bautista Mac-Evans in 1779.

Today, the fortresses remain essential examples of Spanish colonial military architecture, as well as symbols of the city of Cartagena de Indias. San Fernando and San José are vital to the economy of the northwest Colombian city, whose population relies heavily on tourism as a means of employment. However, efforts to deepen the Bocachica waterway for vessel access and increased economic development critically threaten the stability and structure of the outer walls, exposing the difficulty of the decisions to come."

... and

SANTA FE DE ANTIOQUIA HISTORIC CENTER
Province of Antioquia

"Deep within the Central Cordillera of the Andes in northeastern Colombia, Santa Fe de Antioquia rises more than 1,650 feet (500 meters) above sea level, between the Cauca and Tonusco rivers. Founded in 1541 by Jorge Robledo, Santa Fe de Antioquia—originally Villa de Santafé—became the City of Antioquia in 1545 after receiving its coat of arms from King Felipe II the Handsome. By 1547, it had been elevated to Parish Church by Popayan’s Archbishop, and seven years later, became the capital of the surrounding region of Antioquia. In later years, difficulties in trading eventually led to the decline of Santa Fe de Antioquia, whose status as the regional capital was transferred to Medellín.

Cradled by the lush green vegetation of the surrounding mountains, the cobblestone streets of the historic center wind past homes dating to the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries that are made of rammed earth, adobe, and bahareque (wattle and daub). The Cathedral, constructed in 1799, and four additional churches demonstrate the colonial influence of the Catholic Church and the architectural wealth of the town.

Recent infrastructure improvements and road construction in northeastern Colombia have led to a surge of tourism in Santa Fe de Antioquia. This, along with development pressures and insufficient urban planning and protection threaten this pristine historic center."

For more info about The Watch:

http://www.wmf.org/project-map/about-watch
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By ranaquajo on Nov 7, 2009, 21:01 in Friendly Talkzone.

MitchAlvarez says on Nov 10, 2009, 01:08:

santafe de antioquia es lo mejor!!

0 funny, 0 helpful.