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Uncovering the City Walls

Story added by joksta, 23 February 2009

The pictures provided in this blog are from various medieval walled cities throughout Europe such as Avila, Carcassonne, Lucca and York. Notice anything different from our own walled city? They haven’t covered them with ugly buildings! Am I the only one in the city that sees what a wasted opportunity the Walls of Derry currently are? Even in their present state, resulting in restricted views from the walls and few opportunities to see their full extent from below, they still continue to be Derry’s biggest tourist attraction, bringing 213,415 visitors (ranked 6th most popular destination in Northern Ireland) to the city. It is my belief that with a bit of work they could be the biggest draw in the country. We market these fortifications as ‘the best example of a walled city in Europe’. However, as the pictures provided highlight, the reality is much different. I personally have had the pleasure of visiting Lucca in Italy to see their walls and it was a far superior experience to walking around those in our fair city. It must also be pointed out that the surrounding area was buzzing with tourists.

I understand that some of the buildings located around the walls may be protected by law (listed grade) but can’t priority be given to the much more important structure behind them? A plan to uncover the walls would have to involve removing the old Bank building at the corner of the walls at Waterloo Place and adjoining shops running up Waterloo Street. The same could be done on Foyle Street where multiple vacant or poorly maintained buildings line the street, as well as line of horrible, terraced houses leading into the Fountain from Ferryquay Gate. The Central library, another building completely out of character with the adjoining walls, could be moved to other premises. It is obvious such a plan would require significant investment and various landowners would need to be compensated but the rewards would be great.

Just imagine, as a tourist, walking into to Waterloo Place from Strand Road. The walls revealed, come from Foyle Street in the distance, turn and then travel up Waterloo Street. At night these could be lit up to provide an even more impressive spectacle. A visitor could stand at any point on the walls and experience great views of the surrounding streets and beyond. Landscaping with grass, paths and benches could be put at the foot of the walls, as with other walled cities in Europe, providing a pleasant environment for visitors and locals alike to walk around. It has also been revealed that there are various tunnels and store rooms located within or under the fortifications but that due to structural problems are closed off to the public. Again, can money be invested to stabilise and then promote these in the context of the rich history of the walls? Tours that take people around the walls then into their secret tunnels would be a massive draw for tourism in the region. The walls of Derry, completely exposed (or as exposed as possible) would be a rival for any similar attractions in Europe. Without an effort to present them in their full grandeur I believe many tourists may question a visit to Derry, when we can’t treat our most impressive monument with the respect it deserves.

Comments (3)

I agree with all you are saying about how we could improve the city walls by looking at how they have preserved the past in other parts of Europe.

When I first started out in business 10 years ago, I had a passionate interest in 3D technology and we we also have Hand Held Device Project Capabilities. I saw the potential of these technologies in bringing the history of Derry/Londonderry alive. I put my idea forward to several groups, that linking with the medieval walled cities throughout Europe on a 3D/Technology project would enhance the visitors experience. It would tie in well with the tourist activities described by you.

Unfortunately we are a private company and did not find 3D a cost effective technology and would have had to seek grants to proceed. I find that these grants are only available to the not for profit sector even when they do not have the appropriate expertise.

Frances McAllister 26 February 2009

You are quite right, the Walls are a much underused asset. They look unloved and uncared for compared with these photographs. I have also had the pleasure of walking/cylcing the walls of LUCCA. what strikes me about the photographs is the cleanliness. The walls should be free from litter, graffiti and weeds. That would be a start.

Janice Tracey 27 February 2009

Cracking idea. At the moment a walk around the walls on a friday or saturday night would fill you with fear due to the amount of louts drinking there. I do think that even if the walls where just nicely lit up at night it would make them much more impressive looking. Not sure if they have plans to do this as it wouldn't be that expensive.

Liam Langan 15 March 2009

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Uncovering the City Walls

Story added by joksta, 23 February 2009

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