JEAN-PAUL-L’ALLIER PRIZE FOR HERITAGE – 2011 EDITION - FORM
1. Name of city
CITY OF DUBROVNIK
2. Name of the project submitted
PELINE PLAYGROUND
3. Describe the project submitted to win this award (maximum 100 words)
In 2005, the city authorities initiated restoration of the derelict Peline Playground next to the Gornji Ugao
Tower, an integral part of the fortification walls located on the northeast side of the historical centre.
Archaeological probes were carried out from July to October 2005, revealing a 16th century industrial
section of the city without its equal in Europe: a metal foundry, pottery furnaces and the original buried
entrance to the Tower, completed in September 2008.
The challenge was to preserve, separate and present the archaeological and playground site of cca 600
m² to the public.
4. How is this achievement part of a gesture of continuity and perseverance for the conservation,
enhancement or management of property inscribed on the World Heritage List? (maximum of 300
words)
The planned urban core of Dubrovnik, encircled by a fortification system, was almost completely formed
by the end of the 15th century, ruined by the great earthquake in 1667, which resulted in urban changes in
styles. Building activities declined after the fall of the Dubrovnik Republic, 18th-19th centuries. The
medieval urban legacy remained more or less intact in the 20th century, in spite of many transformations.
A UNESCO World Heritage site (1979), Dubrovnik’s architectural heritage shows careful incorporation of
modern lifestyles using strict conservation principles.
Conservation zones cannot be separated from contact urban areas, for they must interact functionally and
with visual balance. All planning processes must develop in direct association with urban and culturalhistorical architectural heritage values.
An analysis of the existing sports facilities indicated a lack in variety and number, which could not meet
the demands of residents or tourists.
The Peline Playground project started as a reconstruction of an abandoned children’s playground, which
led to the discovery of an important archaeological zone.
5. Describe the impact of the project on the value of the property inscribed on the World Heritage List
(maximum of 300 words)
The historical center of Dubrovnik with its city ramparts, fortifications and moat was registered in 1966 as
a cultural good in Croatia, and as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979 (18.8 hectares).
Analyses made after the Homeland War, and prior to drawing up urban planning documentation, revealed
that demographic growth in Dubrovnik, especially in the historical urban center, had dropped by 9%, with a
high percentage of elderly at 25% and a low one for youth at 22.7%.
The historical urban center represents the most attractive zone of city life, which must be continuously
renewed. Various devastated areas have to be revitalized, so as to stimulate the return of a younger
population, including tourists. In raising living standards, general social, educational, cultural and
recreational facilities are ensured. A rational and functional organization of life in the historical urban
center depends on the restoration of existing buildings and abandoned areas.
The restoration of the PELINE PLAYGROUND aimed to raise the quality of life and a return of a younger
age group to the historical urban center. Residency implies revitalization of the historical center.
Restoration work in the historical center requires special care, as it impacts on the attractiveness of urban
space and community satisfaction
The Peline Playground and the Tower in their restored state have ensured that the city ramparts will
remain intact for many future generations. It is an example of how heritage must be maintained on a
continuous basis, in phases, and with community and government help.
6. Describe the process developed to ensure citizen partnership and the participation in your achievement
(maximum of 300 words)
The Association of Friends of Dubrovnik Antiquities was founded in 1952 in order to raise citizen
awareness for the cultural-historical heritage being devastated since the 19th c. The association is made
up of many volunteers and experts, who are constantly tasked with the maintenance of the city ramparts
and other architectural and cultural monuments.
It offers an excellent, unique example of self-financing through the collection of revenues from entrance
tickets to the city walls, reinvested in the repair and maintenance of architectural heritage. Each member
takes on the responsibility of suggesting improvements to the monuments or reporting damages that need
repair. After more than half a century of dedicated work and outstanding results, the association has won
the trust and support of the local community and authorities at both local and national levels.
This can be best demonstrated by their relatively rapid restoration of war damages to the city ramparts
and historical core.
This Association fully demonstrates the importance, value and role of civil society through its volunteers
and experts who professionally manage the architectural heritage of Dubrovnik with the assistance of the
local city government and professional institutions and the support of a faithful community.
The most important task of the Association of Friends of Dubrovnik Antiquities is to maintain, protect,
conserve, reconstruct and restore the fortifications in the Dubrovnik region, with an emphasis on the city
ramparts and historical center.
With respect to the Peline Playground project (2005-2011), the Association took on the task of financing
the restoration of the PELINE PLAYGROUND project, specifically the subterranean level with its valuable
archaeological findings and the interior of the Tower, while the City of Dubrovnik financed the restoration
of the upper ground level, the children’s playground.
Total cost : 1,756,756.00 EUR (13.000.000,00 Croatian Kuna)
7. Describe the tangible impact of the achievement on the community (maximum of 300 words)
. The tangible impact of this restoration work is evident already, as many tourists that stream across the
city ramparts now have easy access to the Tower area with its toilet facilities, souvenir shop,
archaeological site and of course a playground area for recreation.
The local population also benefits greatly in that the derelict area now blends in perfectly, connecting
housing, playground, tower and the ramparts.
The Peline Playground is being used already for theatrical and musical events during the Dubrovnik
Summer Festival, which is a typical feature for Dubrovnik – the use of all available outdoor squares and
public place for the presentation of concerts and plays, both national and international.
8. Explain the pedagogical effect of this achievement as well as its educational and enrichment value on
the local level (maximum 300 words)
The results from the restoration of the playground are manifold. The two elementary schools in the
historical centre can now use the playground for recreational activities, sporting events, outdoor studies.
Educationally, it offers an excellent example to all age groups of the importance of preserving our
architectural heritage for our own use and that of future generations. It educates the youngest age groups
that the protection of our architectural heritage is done on an ongoing basis, and with the assistance of the
community.
The site offers two kinds of facilities, a playground for recreation, theatrical performances, classroom
studies, and a subterranean one, a very tangible experience of life in medieval times, demonstrating the
importance of preserving archaeological sites for posterity.
Perhaps more importantly, it offers an excellent example for conservationists, archaeologists, urban
planners, policy makers, and the local authorities that solutions can be found and implemented by joining
forces and financial means, and by using state-of-the-art technology to enhance and present
archaeological sites to both public and professional audiences.
9. Explain the international implications of this achievement. How can this achievement be used as a
model on the international toward the conservation, the enhancement or the management of property
inscribed on the World Heritage List? (maximum 300 words)
The reconstruction project and the presentation of the archaeological site involved the Peline Playground
and the Gornji ugao Tower as part of the city ramparts. The property and the architectural heritage were
functionally interconnected with well-defined borders. The project area was accessed by Peline Street on
the northeastern side and by an outer wall through Gornji ugao on the southwestern side.
Work on the site was carried out by the Dubrovnik Conservation Department. Research, supported by the
Association of Friends of Dubrovnik Antiquities, the VULIX construction company, the Omega engineering
firm, and the City of Dubrovnik.
The project offers a best case study for other heritage sites in that it did not re-cover the archaeological
site, rather, it successfully preserved and resolved all findings, as well as keeping the playground intact.
The project separated the important archaeological findings from the playground above by hanging a
reinforced 5-sided concrete floor that latched on to the side walls, ramparts, and Gornji ugao Tower on the
west side, Minčeta Tower on the north and the eastern city blocks.
The public has direct access to the subterranean archaeological site (2.5 – 5 metre height) located under
the playground through the original door of the Gornji ugao Tower. A number of walkways constructed out
of “U10” steel rods, hanging from the reinforced concrete floor allow visitors to view the archaeological
findings and panels depicting foundry activities. The subterranean site has electrical lighting and air
ventilation.
The playground area done in two levels connects to the tower (through the original opening) where the
project foresees the installation of sanitation facilities.
The public playground used for recreation by children and citizens is outfitted with basketball hoops and
volleyball equipment. Fencing on the southern wall towards the Franciscan monastery, along the staircase
and the spectator stands is for security.
The Gornji ugao Tower was cleared of debris. Four levels 48.0 m² each were constructed using I HEA 20
steel rods and a metal grating floor. The lowest levels, Level -2 and -1 are for the presentation of the
archaeological site under the playground. The central section of Level -2 is a sanitation facility, while Level
-1 is for an information counter.
The central part of Level 0, directly connected to the playground, is to be used as a sanitation facility. The
last level is a club locker room.
The tower unites visitors to the archaeological site and recreational users, with a sliding metal grid
controlling access.
The tower roof, terrace and side walls will continue to be used for touring the ramparts.
10.Describe the cross-cutting effects of this achievement, its scope at the social or community level or any
other dimensions (maximum 300 words)
The Peline Playground has improved the quality of life in the historical center of Dubrovnik. Residents and
tourists now have an attractive playground and archaeological site promoting sport and cultural heritage
and the arts.
The Dubrovnik Summer Festival now has a new venue for holding its theatrical and musical
performances. School children can now enjoy outdoor educational and recreational classes.
The project is an excellent example for professionals, as it shows how to make use of civil society and
local government efforts and financing in the preservation of cultural heritage. Together, on a long-term
basis, the implementation of such projects can help save historical communities. The restoration of such
sites is also an additional source of income for the community, as they are usually accompanied by gift
shops, tour guides, etc.
The Peline Playground project has successfully created a modern, accessible urban space that blends
well with the surrounding architectural heritage, while preserving an extremely valuable archaeological
site.