A re-examination of the nineteenth-century architectural heritage: the case of Arnota
A re-examination of the nineteenth-century architectural heritage: the case of Arnota

Summary/Abstract: Still far from providing a comprehensive picture of the architectural variety and creativity of the nineteenth century Wallachia, specialist works have mainly concentrated on buildings dating from the last quarter of the nineteenth century, subsequent to the coronation of Carol I. The case of Arnota Monastery, in Vâlcea County, is interesting and important firstly because the alterations led by “monastic architect” Johann Schlatter to this complex during the nineteenth century inaugurated the autonomous programme of prison architecture in Wallachia, and, secondly, they illustrate, among numerous other examples still preserved, the beginnings of modern practices of restoring old architecture. At the same time, the recent reconstruction and extension work undertaken at the monastery brings to light contemporary issues connected with the lack of understanding of the conservation and restoration of a heritage still little valued.

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