Tustan Reserve Enhances Accessibility for Visitors with Disabilities
Date: 2023-12-14 Author: Dima Zakharov Categories: CULTURE
Enhancing Inclusivity in Tourism
The "Tustan" historic and cultural reserve stands out as the most popular tourist destination in the Lviv region for 2023, welcoming nearly 178,000 visitors by December. Recent developments within the reserve include the introduction of new tourist attractions, notably designed to enhance inclusive tourism experiences. Among these additions is the first tactile mini-sculpture intended for visually impaired individuals, positioned outside Lviv's boundaries within the region.
New Facilities and Accessibility Measures
A bronze model depicting the reconstruction of the Tustan fortress has been installed in the reserve's entrance zone, near the base of the Tustan rocks. This model incorporates metal informational panels featuring bilingual Braille inscriptions, along with a QR code providing audio descriptions of the sculpture. Sculptor Vasyl Odrekhivsky is the creative mind behind this tactile architectural model.
Investment and Future Plans
The overall project budget amounts to 462.7 thousand hryvnias. This sum, under a 50/50 co-financing arrangement, was contributed by the Tourism and Resorts Management of Lviv Oblast within the Tourism and Resorts Development Program for 2021-2025, alongside the municipal institution of Lviv Oblast Council's "Tustan" historic and cultural reserve administration.
A Step Towards Inclusivity
"Tactile mini-sculpture marks the initial step in creating an accessible environment within Tustan. The next phase involves conducting an audit for the comprehensive adaptation of the historic and cultural reserve for individuals with disabilities. This initiative is set to be realized with support from the USAID's 'Hoverla' project," emphasized Mr. Lozinsky.
Diverse Heritage Preservation
Another noteworthy addition to Tustan's attractions is the early 20th-century Boyko house, relocated to Urych from the village of Plav'ya. This preserved house, adorned with a carved gallery, represents one of the few remaining examples of the local folk architecture. The project was made possible through financial support from the Cultural Emergency Response (CER) organization in the Netherlands.
Technological Integration for Accessibility
This year, with support from the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation, Tustan successfully implemented the project "Figital Transformation of Tustan: Accessible Heritage Digitally and On-Site." This initiative led to the creation of the "Tustan Guide" app, providing synchronized information on existing routes around the heritage site. Additionally, a space meeting essential criteria for working with children has been established.
This blend of historical significance, archaeology, architecture, and natural beauty defines Tustan as a unique landmark. Situated amidst the woodlands of the Pidhorodtsivsky Forestry, it forms an integral part of the State historic and cultural reserve "Tustan." Historically, Tustan served as a defensive and administrative center, as well as a customs point along a crucial salt trade route from Drogobych to Transcarpathia and Western Europe.
