Bistrița launches UNESCO Creative Cities architecture program

The city of Bistrița is officially launching its UNESCO Creative Cities Network program in the field of architecture. The inauguration event is scheduled for August 28, 2026, at the Turnul Dogarilor.

Bistrița was designated as a member of the network in November 2025. This designation is significant as 2025 marked the first year UNESCO introduced architecture as a distinct category within the Creative Cities program. The local administration views this as an opportunity to utilize architecture and culture as resources for urban development.

The celebration also marks the official reopening of the Turnul Dogarilor, a historic monument within Bistrița’s Medieval Citadel, to the public. The tower underwent extensive restoration through the ‘România Atractivă – Ruta Cetăților’ project, funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR).

The ceremony will include an official message from Simona-Mirela Miculescu, Romania’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO. Scheduled festivities include a New Media Art exhibition and a video mapping performance titled ‘Aer Liber’.