The object of the Convention is to recognise the signifi cance of cultural and natural heritage to mankind, which is why the UNESCO World Heritage List contains both architectural monuments, monuments of nature and geological formations as well as historical sites; sites created jointly by the forces of nature and human effort. To be included in the World Heritage List, a site must be of outstanding universal value, and meet at least one of ten defi ned selection criteria. Any country that has a World Heritage Site is obliged to protect it, and ensure that it is preserved for generations to come to enjoy it. There are currently 890 World Heritage sites throughout the world. Thirteen of them are in Poland.
Primeval Forest Białowieża No other temperate zone forest in Europe can claim to be as well preserved as the Białowieża Primeval Forest, which has retained its natural characteristics. Following regulations outlined by royal property law, the grounds of the forest are limited to hunting, bee-keeping, and livestock grazing. Firewood can only be collected if it is deadwood, or if trees have fallen over in the wind. The Białowieża Forest is home to many species that are extinct elsewhere, and many types of tree found there are almost unknown anywhere else. It is estimated that over 3, 000 species of fungus are found within the forest, including those that are unique to primeval forest conditions that have been undisturbed by modern forestry techniques.
Historic Centre Warsaw
Warsaw’s Old Town is a unique example of the reconstruction of an historic centre, which also represents the rebirth of Polish culture, something that the Nazis had intended to destroy. The city fi rst came into being at the beginning of the 14th century, and developed rapidly thanks to its location on the Vistula River. During the Second World War, the historic centre of Warsaw suffered extensive damage, as did many towns and cities in Poland. Almost 90% of the Old Town was destroyed during the Warsaw Uprising in 1944. The reconstruction process started soon after the end of the war. During the period between 1945 and 1963, churches, palaces and private houses were reconstructed and restored to their former glory.
Centennial Hall Wrocław
Wrocław’s Centennial Hall, built at the beginning of 20th century, is a classic example of creative and innovative uses of reinforced concrete in the construction of a building. Many of the methods and techniques used in the construction of Centennial Hall have since become common practice in the construction industry. The hall is a symmetrical quatrefoil with a vast circular central space, built in the Szczytnicki Park, as a part of an exhibition commemorating the 100th anniversary of the victory of European Allies over Napoleon. It is widely assumed that the design was inspired by the Roman Pantheon and Hagia Sophia Church in Instanbul. Centennial Hall is one of the largest reinforced concrete buildings in the world. Its axis is 152 m, the dome is 65 m in diameter and 42 m high, while its vast form remains strikingly light and airy.
Mannerist Calvary Kalwaria Zebrzydowska
The Mannerist Calvary is an exceptional example of an open space that incorporates a complex of mannerist chapels of the Passion of Christ and landscapes that resemble the historic site of Christ’s crucifi xion. The pilgrimage tradition, still alive today, makes the Passion plays at the Calvary one of the most celebrated religious events in Poland. Here, the natural landscape and cultural attributes join together to create a unique spiritual experience, and it is this exceptional combination of sacred and the natural that makes Kalwaria Zebrzydowska stand out among other European calvaries.
Muskauer ParkGerman-Polish Border
Conceived as a ‘painting with plants’, blending seamlessly with the surrounding country landscape, Muskauer Park is a landscaped park that sits along the Neisse River, on the German-Polish border. It was created by Prince Hermann von Puckler-Muskau, who wanted to pioneer new approaches to landscape design and infl uence the development of landscape architecture in Europe and America. Muskauer Park does not seek to evoke classical landscapes or some notion of paradise; instead it uses locally growing plants to enhance the existing landscape. The park also features a reconstructed castle, bridges and an expansive arboretum.
Churches of Peace Jawor and Świdnica
The Silesian Churches of Peace are directly connected to the Treaty of Wetsphalia that ended the Thirty Years’ War in Europe in 1648. The Catholic Emperor of the Habsburg monarchy was forced to authorise the erection of three churches for the growing Protestant population in Silesia. The Emperor agreed to this, but issued a number of diffi cult conditions, namely that the churches had to be built exclusively of perishable materials such as wood and clay, and that they were to be located outside the city walls. Two of the three churches are still standing today, and they are considered to be among the most sacred timber-framed structures in Europe. Both bear testimony to the ancient tradition of wooden and half-timbered architecture. They are also an outstanding example of Baroque sacral art that coexists with Lutheran theology and ideology.
Old CityZamość
Founded in 1582, Zamość is a rare example of a city that was created as a work of art. This Greenfield project was based on Italian Renaissance theories of the ‘ideal city’. Despite later modifications, Zamość has retained not only its original layout and fortifications, but also a large number of original buildings. It therefore remains an outstanding example of architecture and urbanism. The city was established by Jan Zamoyski, a Polish-Lithuanian nobleman who considered it to be his own state, and had declared it as a cultural and economic centre on the trade route linking Western and Northern Europe to the Black Sea.
Castle of the Teutonic Order Malbork
The fortified castle in Malbork, built by Teutonic Order is not only a remarkable example of Gothic architecture; it is the world’s largest brick-built castle. Construction of the castle started in 1274, and as the Order’s conquests in Pomerania and Prussia strengthened their standing, the castle became the capital of the Teutonic State in 1309, and was the seat of the Grand Master from 1324. The castle’s interior, which now houses an extensive collection of museum exhibits, is a marvel of architectural ingenuity. The Great Refectory and the Summer Refectory in the Grand Master’s palace, with its magnificent palm vaults, are the most impressive, while the reception Hall is one of the most elegant examples of 14th century interiors in Poland.
Salt Mine Wieliczka
Deposits of rock salt in Wieliczka, not far from Kraków, have been actively mined since the 13th century, making it an exceptional example in mining history. Traces of the past, preserved deep within the mine reflect how mining technology has evolved over time. There is an exhibition of antique tools and machinery, as well as examples of the different drainage, lighting and ventilation systems that have been used throughout the centuries. The Wieliczka Salt Mine has some 300 km of passages and over 2, 000 chambers on nine levels, each between 57m and 327m deep. The underground galleries
contain scenic lakes, stalagmites, stalactites and other incredible salt crystal formations. Some of the abandoned chambers have been transformed into chapels, from blocks of salt. St. Anthony’s Chapel is the oldest chapel, dating back to the 17th century.
Historic Centre Kraków
Long considered the centre of artistic, economic and intellectual significance, Kraków is a truly remarkable city. Its cultural identity has remained intact for over one thousand years, and it has managed to escape the devastation of war that has blighted so many other Polish cities. Until the end of the 16th century it was the capital of Poland, the legacy of which can still be seen today; there many examples of 16th century Renaissance architecture, and there is a magnificent 14th century Gothic cathedral which adjoins the city’s Royal Castle. Of particular note is the Sigismund Chapel, which is considered to be one the most impressive works of Renaissance architecture in Central Europe.
Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp Auschwitz Birkenau, Oświęcim
A creation based on Nazi ideology, it is very difficult to regard Auschwitz in terms of the cultural heritage of mankind. It remains, however, a part of our legacy, although not as a cultural achievement, but as evidence of inhuman, cruel and methodical efforts to deny human dignity to groups considered inferior, contributing to their systematic murder. The preservation of Auschwitz serves as a warning to future generations. The camp was established in May 1940, initially as a concentration camp for Poles and later for Soviet prisoners of war. It later became a prison for a number of other nationalities, including thousands of Roma and Sinti. During the period between 1942 and 1944, it became the main mass extermination camp, where Jews were tortured and killed. In January 1945, the Nazis evacuated the camp, but they didnot manage to destroy it. Barbed wire, platforms, barracks, gallows, gas chambers and cremation ovens were preserved, as well as the camp archives and the main gate with famous inscription that became a symbol: ‘Arbeit Macht Frei’. The personal effects of the victims segregated with precision, and terrifying in their authenticity, are often the only reminiscence of the people who lost their lives in the camp.
Wooden Churches of Southern Małopolska Binarowa, Blizne, Dębno,Sękowa, Haczów, Lipnica
The wooden churches of southern Małopolska, also known as ‘Lesser Poland’ represent the outstanding enclave of two cultures: Western Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox. They are exceptionally well preserved and are a classic example of the architecture of Gothic churches in the region during the 15th and 16th century in that they ate constructed using horizontal logs. These distinctlyshaped structures blend harmoniouslywith the natural landscape, and their functional exteriors whichprotect against harsh winters concealornate and richly decorated interiors.The murals in the churchesare particularly valuable, as theydepict a variety of techniques and ahigh level of workmanship.
Medieval City Toruń
The Medieval city of Toruń was founded by the Teutonic Order, which built a castle there in the 13th century as a base for the conquest and evangelisation of Prussia. It was granted city rights by the Grand Master of the Order in 1233. Escaping damage during periods of conflict and war, Toruń is a remarkably well preserved town, which means that many original public buildings and private houses can still be visited today. Many of these buildings have retained their original features, such as ornate ceilings, wooden panels and mural paintings. One of the most famous houses in the city is the one that once belonged to Nicolaus Copernicus, the astronomer and mathematician who pioneered the notion that the sun was stationary in the centre of the universe and the earth revolved around it. Photography Courtesy of UNESCO 2
UNESCO
Accession to UNESCO’s World Heritage List is considered to be a prestigious accolade, and countries around the world are striving to have more of their historic sites added to it, as their tourism industries can benefit from the endorsement with such a highly regarded organisation. UNESCO is constantly considering new sites to add to its World Heritage List, as well as ensuring that current entries fulfill their obligations to ensuring that their sites will be around for generations of the future to enjoy. For further information, on UNESCO, visit www.unesco.org
UNESCO
World Heritage Sites
1. Primeval Forest - Białowieża, 2. Historic Centre - Warsaw, 3. Centennial Hall - Wrocław, 4. Mannerist Calvary – Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, 5. Muskauer Park - German-Polish Border, 6. Churches of Peace - Jawor and Świdnica, 7. Old City - Zamość, 8. Castle of the Teutonic Order - Malbork, 9. Salt Mine - Wieliczka, 10. Historic Centre - Kraków, 11. Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp - Auschwitz Birkenau, Oświęcim, 12. Wooden Churches of Southern Małopolska - Binarowa, Blizne, Dębno, Sękowa, Haczów, Lipnica 13. Medieval City – Toruń.3
20 December 09
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