Such a cultural, historical and especially touristically appealing heritage should be preserved and kept alive for future generations, but of course, as is often the case, this proves to be a difficult task. Maybe even an ordeal. The next step for the officials will surely be including this wonderful collection of mansions on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Even if it is difficult and time consuming it is a project that has not only been taken into consideration, but the first steps toward accomplishing it are already in motion.
But the hardest part for those involved is, of course, restoring this beautiful mansions to their former glory, as close to the original as possible. For if the interiors are a little easier to bring back together, and the owners manage to find pieces of furniture and decorations, original or reproductions, which are suitable, the arhitectural structure and especially the exteriors are altogether a different matter. One coul simply use new materials and techniques and bring the old house to a new age, but doing so will surely diminish the historical and cultural importance of the place, not to mention it's financial value, and doing so will ultimately spoil the whole idea of keeping the past alive. Very few builders and architects could undertake such a project, but those who have successfully done it here, in Bicfalau, are justly proud of the achievement. It is a long and difficult task, and you need architectural and historical studies, craftmanship and, of course, money. The lack of money, both the owner's and the officials' has the been the main obstacle for some of the mansions. Some projects have begun, then have been abandoned, while others have taken years or are still in development. On the other hand some mansions, like the Zatyi Mansion, have been interesting examples of success. In this case the architect didn't have much of the original plans, but had something even more useful – a vintage photograph of the facade and exteriors. Starting with that, the former ruin is now a real architectural treasure.
Another chance for these old mansions and ultimately for Bicfalau could be the revival and development of the local tourism industry, and over the past years things seem to be going in the right direction. Five new pensions have new opened, some may soon follow, the streets and some of the village are being modernised and some of the necessary funding has already been assigned. The local officials have some interesting and ambitious projects up their sleeves.
First is the opening of a local tourist information office, which will present for the potential tourists and buyers the mansions, their specific advantages and traits, as well as their history and legends. Second (and maybe the most expensive and difficult) the development of the tourist infrastructure of the village, then the final step, printing and distributing a catalogue of the mansions, as well as a map, maybe even postcards or other advertising materials.
Bicfalau seems to be a place which offers a lot: wonderful landscapes, pleasant and historical atmosphere, splendid examples of local traditional architecture, and has the potential of becoming a place to visit and to remember.
March 2016
