Tradicinės dirbtuvės ir jų vietos Vilniaus priemiestyje

Abstract

he nearest environs of Vilnius (the territory between Nemenčinė, Lavoriškės, Forty Tartars village and Grigiškės) are rich with the architectural heritage of crafts. It consits of the historical workshops (built more than 50 years ago), their remains, empty sites of ruined ones, and natural sites, related with different processes of "verbos" - making, carpentry, woodcarving, blacksmithery, basketry and other crafts. This kind of heritage is still alive around Vilnius and it is evident in the spatial structure of these mostly rural territories. The western part of Vilnius environs is unique in the quality and quantity of cultural values. Sound historical meaning and authenticity of the buildings (evident in their architectural forms, setting, materials, functions and craftsmanship) is typical to them. Few of these historical workshops and sites were fixed and evaluated in the Cultural Heritage Protection Programme of Vilnius Master Plan, 1992-1994, the project of the Ethnic Protected Area of Vilnius Verbos, 1995, Route of Crafts Programme, 1998. But many sites and buildings, related with the craft traditions, are not evaluated, protected and are in danger of disappearance. Historical evaluation reveals that the original function and stable ownership but not inclusion of Protected Values into the Register are the guarantees of safeguarding. Two wooden workshops of blacksmith in Koplyčninkai hamlet are not listed as protected values but they are still used for their original purposes and safeguarded by the same owners. The brick building of Bradeliškės water-mill is listed but it is abandoned and deteriorated during the last few years. Local communities of rural areas of Vilnius are not able to safeguard all valuable vernacular workshops and sites of crafts. This heritage is based on deep historic roots and related with the picturesque natural landscape. That is why it could be used for education and leisure and included into Vilnius recreational. areas and tourism routes. The original area of a unique craft of "Verbos"-making covers few hamlets and natural sites, authenticity of which is partly lost. This territory could be protected not as an immovable property but as a site of expression of the traditional culture.