The monastery complex of the Order of Discalced Carmelites in Berdyczów - founded in 1630 on the site of a former fortress of the Tyszkiewicz family and known as the "Fortress of the Blessed Virgin Mary" - was for centuries one of the most important religious, scientific and cultural sites in the Ukrainian lands. It played a significant political and military role in the 17th and 18th centuries.

In 2020. POLONIKA Institute funded the repair of the church's roof on the side of the utility courtyard, including the replacement of the roof slope and the construction of drains for rainwater. The work consisted of a complete replacement of the degraded substance. The existing roof was made in the early 1990s. (after the recovery of the church), with poor quality materials and was in a very poor state of repair.

In addition, the POLONIKA Institute financed the carrying out of drainage, including the installation of a drainage system along the walls of the church on the side of the utility courtyard. These measures will make it possible to partially protect the walls of the lower church and basement from the damaging effects of rainwater.

Executor: The Monastery of the Discalced Carmelites in Berdyczów

In 2021. The Institute has subsidised the replacement of the roofing of the buildings adjacent to the eastern defensive wall and the roof of the northern tower.

The total area of the slopes to be replaced was 1158 m2. It was decided to use copper sheeting, which is the most durable and historically and aesthetically appropriate. Thanks to this work, the historic masonry has been protected against the damaging effects of water and damp.

In addition, building expertise has been prepared for the following structures of the Berdyczov monastery complex: the southern, northern and western sections of the wall, including the ruins of the tower, the former monastery and the eastern tower. The expertise prepared will be the basis for planning and conducting further restoration work.

Within the framework of the programme of the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage 'Protection of Cultural Heritage Abroad', work was carried out on the restoration of the eastern section of the monastery wall.

Implemented by: the Monastery of Discalced Carmelites in Berdyczów

The work carried out in 2022 concerned the lower church. This space, from the time the Discalced Carmelites returned to Berdyczow in 1991 until 2012 (when the upper church was put into use after renovation), was the centre of Berdyczow's sanctuary life. In later years, the lower church was used mainly as a pastoral hall, but after the start of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, an air raid shelter was organised for the local population.

An expert report prepared in 2019 identified problems with dampness and structural damage to the lower church. As a result, repair work related to dehumidification and damp-proofing was required to ensure the safety of the occupants.

As part of the work, the damaged and damp plaster in the right nave (226 m2), left nave (213 m2) and nave (143 m2) was removed, and the surfaces after the removed plaster were treated with a biocide preparation and left to dry. In addition, horizontal insulation was carried out in the side aisle, thus eliminating the problem of capillary rise.

The removal of the damaged and damp plaster allowed a more accurate assessment of the state of preservation of the walls and vaults of the temple, a full inventory of the mechanical damage, and thus made it possible to take a broader approach to the subject of strengthening the structural structure of the building.

Executor: the Monastery of the Discalced Carmelites in Berdyczów, Respekt Bud company

Conservation work carried out between 2020-2022, Conservation Programme, Polonica Institute