traian's bridge · 2013. 3. 24. · 1 m.garašanin-m.vasić, trajanov most-kastel pontes,...

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KladovoMunicipality

Revitalization programme

KladovoNovember 2011

Traian's Bridge

Kladovo Municipality

Traian’s Bridge – Protection and revitalization programme 1

I PROGRAMME CONTEXT

I.1. Goals

The basic reason and the aim of Trian’s bridge and Pontes locality revitalization, with Traian’s bridge as a part of it, is to save, conserve and revitalize this exclusive monument of European and World culture. It is a dominant monumental benchmark of classic ancient, Roman civilization, woven within foundations of a modern society. This principal goal is supervened by a series of operational and social goals of which the most important one is preventing further decay of Traian’s bridge and Pontes locality remnants, due to natural processes and effects of modern, technological ways of living.

Except these principled approaches to protection of cultural heritage, the Muniucipality of Kladovo estimates that revitalization of Traian’s bridge and Pontes locality, should be a polygon for improving mutual cooperation between Serbia and Romania. This is for the fact that nowadays, this unique construction connects two states. Besides, having in mind the significance of Trian’s bridge for the overall European culture, other European and institutions worldwide should be included in its protection. Such activities shall contribute to better understanding of common roots and identity.

Fig. 1 - Contemporary disposition of the Bridge

I.2. Comparative context

Traian’s bridge is a unique case in Roman civilization. According to many contemporaries who were describing, or analyzing it subsequently, it was the first construction wonder of the ancient world. It was built in the period of the Emperor Traian’s final preparations for conquering the future Roman province Dacia in the beginning of II century a.d., from 103-105. The total impression about the bridge monumentality lies in the fact that it was built over the biggest European river, wider than a kilometer at this spot. The river was bridged by a complex and very well designed structure, in engineering terms. That is why the Trian’s bridge of that time is not



possible to compare with any other such example. That unique construction phenomenon cannot be compared to anything similar.

Archeological researches of the Traian’s bridge bank (shore) part have been fully carried out, while those under water researches are at the very initial stage. Conservation works have been partly carried out, within the framework of flood protection from HE (hydro power plant) Djerdap II. According to the available field data it may be concluded that there are sufficient elements for better presentation of the bridge structure part situated on the river bank.

Fig. 2 - Territory of Roman Empire at time of the Emperor Traian



The Municipality of Kladovo is extremely interested to contribute to affirmation of this outstanding cultural monument in accordance with its capacities, by applying legal and social components.

I.3. Legal protection

The total activity in the Traian’s bridge complex has been defined by the Law on Cultural Wealths (Official Gazette of R. Serbia, No.71/94) and the Law on Planning and Building (Official Gazette of R. Serbia, nos. 72/2009 and 24/2011).

Pontes locality with the Traian’s bridge was determined to be the cultural wealth of outstanding significance for the Republic of Serbia based on the Decision on determining immovable cultural wealths of outstanding significance and of a big significance, respectively (Official Gazette of R.

Serbia, No..). The complex protection zone covers the space of around 90 hectares.

Fig. Fig. 3 - Geodetic situaton of the locality Pontes



Administrative – legal capacity for protective measures carrying out on this cultural monument is assigned to the Republic Office for Cultural Monuments Protection. Administrative and Program Supervision over all institutions in charge of Trian’s bridge protection are directly carried out by the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Environment, Mining and Spatial Planning of the Republic of Serbia.

I.4. Ownership Status of the Complex and the Facilities

The Municipality of Kladovo has got the user right over a part of the complex, the locality of Pontes and remnants of the Traian’s bridge. It implies, in the first place, the remnants of the fortification and the bridge. According to its character, the land is classified as public building land.

I.5. Spatial context

The locality Pontes is situated 4 km downstream Kladovo. By the existing traffic arteries, the historical space is well connected to the rest of the town and broader space. The main land, car, bicycle and pedestrian access to it is from the local road. From this road the locality is accessed by an internal asphalted road, directly leading to the Trian’s bridge. On the Danube side, there is no arranged access.

Fig. 4 – Locality Pontes in relation to the town

Pontes space is partially provided with infrastructure. Power supply and lighting have been provided to the very locality. Around the Trian’s bridge remnants, there was ensured the flood protection system from HE Djerdap II, with a separate infrastructure for the system maintenance.



I.6. Historical complex description 1

The Pontes locality comprises the remnants of Trian’s bridge, military fortress and civil settlement. The initial agglomeration was formed already at the turn of our era, and the settlement has been living through different forms almost from the Turkish conquest of this area.

Traian’s bridge was built by the far recognized architect Apolodor of Damascus between the years 103 and 105. Its basic function was to connect the two provinces, Mesia and Dacia and to provide for Roman expansion to the North, towards the Dacia territory. Up to date, there is visibly preserved bank part of the structure, consisting of the four built piers, of which the first one was holding the entrance porch, while the fourth one, together with the platform was holding the wooden grid (arch span) above the water level. Sonar and other research methods in the river bed revealed 12 more built supports, representing the remnants of the middle piers holding the structure between the supports.

Castrum is located on the plateau downstream the bridge. Up to date, the northern slope between the north bank and the Danube has been partially investigated. From the Castrum, there have been investigated the northern, eastern, a part of the southern and western banks: all four gates and three corner towers (the fourth one was destroyed). The size of the fortification is 120 x 112 meters. On the eastern bulwark and on the south gate, there were found towers and small parts of bulwark from IV century. Within the Clastrum, there were discovered: a part of the principia and a part of officers buildings which belong to Traian’s stone camp and a part of horreum, originating back to the first half of IV century. Except these masonry buildings, there were also found houses made of wood, dating from the mid of IV to the mid of V century and early Byzantine houses (VI century). And within this layer there were embeded Slavic houses and necropolis, generally originating from IX to XII centuries.

Below the bulwark of the stone castrum there were found earlier layers, supposed to belong to the mid and end of I century, and below these, there was also found a prehistoric layer.

On the plateau, downstream the bridge, there was discovered a watch tower, immediately above the bridge, and towards the west, the whole series of economic buildings (generally second half of III – beginning of IV and VI centuries).

Remnants of Middle Ages

Slavic settlements: The vicinity of the Danube and the needs of organizing life within the early Slavic settlements, immediately by the remnants of the Roman bridge, conditioned settlements in smaller – village type spaces. Such spaces have been discovered on the northern slope under the Roman fortification, at the place of so called Small castrum, and within the Roman fortification. Chronologically, they were determined to belong to the period from IX - X centuries, all the way to return of Byzantine to these areas. Lasting of settlements in XI and XII centuries is evident not only for remnants of houses but also for other findings, and continuation of life in Pontes may be followed with certainty all the way to XIV and XV centuries.

1 M.Garašanin-M.Vasić, Trajanov most-Kastel Pontes, Djerdapske sveske I, Bgd.1980, str.10-41 S.Gušić, Traina’s bridge-acontribution towards its reconstruction, Roman Limes on the Middle and Lower Danube, Bgd. 1996, str.259-261



I.7. Historical Development of the Bridge Review

One year after the bridge building completion, Traian carried his legions over, and in 106 he accoplished the victory over the king Decibal, owing to which Dacia became a Roman province. These events and celebration of this vicotory, were noted in ancient annals. There are several versions on that how the Traian’s bridge functioned. According to one, it was falled down after twenty years by Traian’s successor Hadrian; according to the second one, it fell down spontaneously after a few decades, and according to the third one, the Emperor Aurelian (270-275), ordered the bridge falling down, in order to prevent invasion of Barbaric tribes on the Empire territory.

Fig. 5 – Traian’s pillar with presentation of constructing of the Bridge

In modern history, during XIX and XX centuries there were several interventions on the bridge remnants. From the total number of twenty piers, in 1906, the Danube Committee ordered demolition of two piers impeding the navigation. The others were probably removed by water, so that nowadays, there are 12 piers that remained in water and bank parts of the bridge structure on Serbian and Romanian sides.

Fig. 6 – Historical presentation of the Bridge



I.8. Valorization of the monument

Traian’s bridge was the first bridge built over the Danube river ever. It was a part of one sophistical construction undertaking, which, apart from it, consisted of Traian’s road through the Djerdap gorge and a system of military fortifications. Nowadays, there are only the remnants of lower foundation parts on the bank, both on Serbian and Romanian sides, as well as several foundations of supporting piers in the river bed. However, the preserved written documents, as well as presentations from the time of its building on the Traian’s column in Rome, indicate that it is to do with an extremely powerful construction, that measured by nowadays criteria.

Fig. 7 - Ideal reconstruction according to Diperrex

Meanwhile, many scientists and engineers have been dealing with possible appearance of the structure. During the building works on HE Djerdap II, all these assumptions were analyzed critically and on that occasion there was offered one of referent consideration, used nowadays in further works on the bridge presentation. 2 It was established that the length of the bridge over the river bed had been 1069,664 meters. It is assumed that the Danube was bridged over with 20 piers at the mutual distance of 56.5 meters.(transfered from I.6. ) Its height is particularly impressive, 45 meters above the water level.

I.9. Significance within the historical context

Trajan’s bridge was built during the intensive expansion of Roman empire in the beginning of II century. Among other things, its building contributed to the Empire’s reaching the superior power at

2 S.Gušić, ditto



that time. It is a unique and unrepeatable structure built in European territory. The complex is important for understanding of the ancient world building knowledge and skills but also for the applied intelligence of Traian’s architect, Apolodor of Damascus. It is reflected in applied engineering logics and rational approach in managing the whimsical and powerful Danube river. As such, the bridge is a prominent example of technical culture of the historic time, inspirational for the actual time, as well.

Fig. 8 - Ideal reconstruction according to S. Gusic

II. POSSIBILITIES OF THE FACILITY CONTEMPORARY USE

II.1. The Concept of the Traian’s bridge and Pontes locality revitalization

Fig. 9 – Situation plan with key elements of locality arrangement

In the procedure of Pontes locality revitalization, with the Traian’s bridge in the first place, it is started from the fact that it is to do with the complex, the original form of which has almost vanished, but its spatial disposition is still recognizable. Besides, having in mind the historical –



building significance of the Traian’s bridge, primarily, there is a need of its revitalization, above all, from the point of view of the affirmation of a harmonious urban space and presentation of human achievement during its life. All the works planned must be carried out conformant with the principles of Athens Charter of 1931, Venecia Charter of 1964 and domestic legistation. Based on these principles, this Program proposes the following approach to contribute to the entire ambient of the space:

Finish the flood protection works on the HE Djerdap II flood defense enbankment, around Traian’s bridge on the Danube side, below the Castel-fortification.

To the greatest possible extent, renew and reconstruct the complex historical details and certain structures in it, to the level of recognizable details. The entire morphological structure has lost its third dimension and the complex sank into the surrounding space. The elevated Danube level also contributes to that, lessening the monumentality of the Traian’s bridge. In that case, it is necessary to affirm the historical urban mode of the space, by renewing those structures which have the spatial significance and are recognizable or the documentation about them was preserved in the archives. Particular attention is to be paid to renewal of Traian’s bridge parts.

Fig. 10 – Actual look of the Traian’s bridge



Fig. 11 – Historical appearance of the Traian’s bridge

Renew fortification details on Castrum, previously archeologically investigated (western gate and corner towers). If possible, make an ideal reconstruction of certain parts

The renewal of the historical space of Pontes locality implies modern living in one historically correct ambient.

The possibilities of the renewal of the locality and the Traian’s bridge are such that they cannot be renewed in its full volume to provide for corresponding utilitarian functions. Anyway, it is an attractive public space and an original architectural form, within which there may be performed activities related to art and archeological history, rendered specific services, organized rituals and various performances.

II.2. Functional solution of the Complex

Fig. 12 - Functional solution of the Complex with zoning



Modern functional organization of the Pontes locality comes from the authentic historical division of the Complex, and new needs to be incorporated for the purpose of better complex presentation. The principal obligation is to preserve the historical image of the Complex in contemporary conditions, so that the remnants of the Traian’s bridge fortification appear as separate historical entities.

The Traian’s bridge (5) and the fortification-Castel (3), shall keep the existing historical component. The functional organization within them implies the rehabilitation of the authentic proportions between certain structures, aiming at their presentation.

Besides these, on the observation point - for the direct presentation of the complex, westward from the bridge, there should be built a visitor center (4), within which the accompanying forms (museum, models, sketches, objects), would present the entire image of the locality history. Within this, there would be made a platform for the complex viewing in all its entirety, a cafeteria, sanitary block and similar.

Immediately on the parking lot (1), a reception (2) is planned, where the visitors would obtain initial information about the locality.

Generally viewed, the total functional organization is possible to enrich by new contents, compatible with the ancient locality. In the first place, by various forms of authentic, ambiental structures. Thus, there is a possibility to form an ethno complex from old structures replica, submerged on the occasion of HE Djerdap II system building on the location, downstream the fortification, towards Mala Vrbica. This would represent arhitectonic rarities, which, over the time, could get some utilitary function (bungalows for guests). In the same way, there may be established an aspect of some form of fishermen village, within which there could be carried out excursions and tourist activities related to fishing tradition in this area.

II.3. Traffic Solution

The traffic solution and the connection of Pontes complex to the rest of the town, shall be via the existing traffic arteries, that is, via the local road Kladovo-Mala Vrbica. From this road, there was planned a road and pedestrian communication to be constructed. At the same time, it is a primary historical pedestrian transversal, leading to the bridge and the fortification. In its central part, the construction of a parking lot for buses and passenger vehicles has been planned.

Immediately by the Danube river bank, on the bank fortification, there is foreseen securing of smaller vessels. Coming of small boats and yachts by the Danube river could improve the total tourist offer of the locality.

III. INDIVIDUAL STRUCTURES

III.1. Traian’s bridge

Conservation, reconstruction and revitalizaton of the Traian’s bridge implies the procedure, which shall be focused on the bridge structure bank side treatment. It is estimated that currently, it represents a realistic scope of works, while the rest of the bridge in the Danube would remain for



some future time. The effort to do that stems from the need to illustrate the monumentality of the original form of Traian’s bridge in a small part, at least. Revitalization of the bridge bank part implies undertaking the following measures:

Elaboration of project documentation for conservation, reconstruction and revitalization of the bridge bank part represents an extract of the bridge entirety consideration. It implies, in the first place, development of a good preliminary design. For such needs, it is to use modern analyses and research results, carried out during the construction of the accumulation HE Djerdap II3. In the procedure of Project elaboration, all up-to-date reconstructions proposed in the previous period, should be analyzed critically.

Fig. 13 – Comparative analyses of the coastal part

Based on the results of the bridge entirety considerations, it is to start elaborating the main Project of the bank part rehabilitation, with half of the field above the water level. It is about the scope to match the area affected by the bank fortification of the accumulation HE Djerdap II. In this way, all the elements important for presentation of the entire Traian’s bridge would be presented in one referent insert. Rehabilitation and conservation of the bridge bank part to be analyzed as two equal options: in one case, perform rehabilitation by means of authentic material, and in the second one, apply modern technological meand, such as virtual holographic records.

Based on the adopted Project variant, it is to start the works in the field.

3 S. Gušić, Ideal reconstruction of the Bridge



By the special Annex to the Project, the realization of which is not conditioned by the ideal reconstruction of the bridge bank part, it is to carry out the works on the existing structure parts sanation and manage the seating part of the terrain with the bank fortification.

Fig. 14 – Revitalization solution of the coastal part

III.2. Castrum

It is necessary to rehabilitate archeologically treated fortification parts of Pontes locality by conservation. Certain segments, in the first place, western and eastern gates, as well as the corner towers to be reconstructed to a greater extent, highlighting in that way its verticality.



The rest of the locality free space to be landscape designed, in the first place, by cultivated greenery (parks), foot-paths, etc.

III.3. Visitors Center

On the elevated part, westward from the bridge, it is to design and build a Visitor Center within which there would be shown the presentation of the entire locality in various media forms. Within this a platform should be made for viewing the entire complex, a cafeteria, sanitary block, etc.

III.4. Financial analyses

Prices were given in US Dollars

CONCLUSION

The Pontes locality and Traian’s bridge revitalization Program is adequate to the significance of this historical complex. The Municipality of Kladovo is extremely interested in it and feels obliged to start with definite presentation of the ancient culture remnants. Meanwhile, during a long period of time, significant resources have been invested into the complex, in the first place for flood protection, but also into archeological researches and up-to-date conservation works. It is obvious, however, that the scope of necessary works exceeds the capacities on the local level. In that sense, the Municipality of Kladovo seeks a partnership with those institutions, feeling the need to decently present this masterpiece of classical construction, together with it.

Object Total Priority description I phase of priorities II phase of priorities

Traian’s Bridge 2.272. 276 Sanation and regulation around the object

120.000

Sanation of the coastal construction

770.000

Castrum 1.166.578 Sanation and regulation around the object

129.000

Sanation of the rampart and towers

260.000

Visitors centre 330.000 Technical documentation

86.000

86.000

TOTAL: 4.354.584 335.000 1.030.000

traian's bridge · 2013. 3. 24. · 1 m.garašanin-m.vasić, trajanov most-kastel pontes,...

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