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Description
The project, planned for implementation in the Pieskowa Skała Castle, is a continuation of construction, conservation and
exhibition intentions, which aim is to protect and care for a monument of high historical and artistic value and its surroundings,
as well as to develop its function in sharing cultural heritage of Poland and Europe.
The investment includes works within the courtyards, gate passages and, to a small extent, the foregrounds of the Castle
complex, as well as maintenance of the southern facade of the outbuilding.
The Castle buildings are centered around two outer and inner courtyards - an arcaded one.
The outer courtyard, within which the replacement of pavement and infrastructure is planned, is closed from the east with a
gate building with bastion fortifications, from the north with an outbuilding and the north-east wing with a gothic tower, from
the west with a west wing with a view loggia, and from the south with a south bastion with a formal garden. The castle moat
extends along the east wing until the entrance to the outbuilding. The gate building was built in several phases in the 16th
century on the site of a medieval gate tower. The remainder of the Gothic, circular building is the entrance hall, in which the
floor is also planned to be replaced. The outbuilding is located in a place where the northern curtain of Baroque fortifications
was located until the mid-18th century. The facade from the inner courtyard is another element covered by this project.
The arcaded internal courtyard, in which the surface is planned to be replaced, is enclosed from the west with a west wing,
from the north a screen wall separating the non-existent upper castle from the lower castle and the east wing with the chapel
St. Of Archangel Michael.
Summary of project results
Pieskowa Skała Castle is a branch of the Wawel Royal Castle, located 30 km northwest of Kraków, in the heart of Ojców National Park.
Today, it is the only well-preserved fortress on the Trail of the Eagles'' Nests and one of the most important early modern residences in Małopolska and the entire country.
The project entitled "Multicultural Republic – Pieskowa Skała Castle" involved the implementation of activities aimed at protecting and preserving a monument of great historical and artistic value along with its surroundings, as well as developing its functions in the area of Polish and European cultural heritage.
The scope of the project specifically included the following activities:
• Modernization of the surface of the courtyards together with the infrastructure and conservation renovation of the outbuilding''s facade;
• Renovation of some of the rooms on the southern ground floor intended for the exhibition "Old Polish Culture";
• Interior arrangement for the future exhibition "Old Polish Culture" and the development of a virtual tour of the exhibition;
• Conservation of the chapel of St. Michael the Archangel;
• Preventive conservation – examination of storage conditions in the exhibitions, analysis of the deterioration process, and air quality tests – conducted by the Partner;
• Conservation of movable objects – historic items entered in the museum inventory of the Wawel Royal Castle – two cabinets and an altar located in the chapel of St. Michael the Archangel;
• Purchase of equipment and furnishings, including multimedia equipment, specialized equipment related to the examination of storage conditions of collections, as well as equipment for use as part of the "Old Polish Culture" exhibition;
• Conducting vocational training;
• Implementation of the cultural and educational offer along with the purchase of materials for its execution;
• Promotional and informational activities.
The beneficiary has implemented all the activities planned for execution within the project.
Pieskowa Skała Castle is one of the unique masterpieces of Renaissance architecture in Poland. It is one of the few castles in the country that has been in continuous operation from the medieval period to the present day.
Results of the completed project:
• After the modernization of the courtyards, a new surface was created to ensure comfort and safety, including for people with disabilities.
• The castle has become even more accessible to people with disabilities.
• The comfort of all visitors to the castle and its surroundings has been improved.
• The Museum''s exhibition offerings have been expanded – a new exhibition titled "Old Polish Culture" has been created.
• The Museum’s cultural and educational offerings have been expanded to include new forms of educational and cultural activities.
• Previously unexhibited, extraordinary, and completely unique tin sarcophagi of the Sieniawski family have been displayed.
• The condition of movable heritage objects has been improved, including the conservation and revitalization of two cabinets and an altar.
• Studies have been conducted to create optimal conditions for the storage of collections on display
Summary of bilateral results
The partnership implemented in the project between the Wawel Royal Castle – State Art Collections and the Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU) enabled: •Monitoring of air quality and indoor environment – the application of modern methods for analyzing air quality in the rooms of the Wawel Royal Castle, allowing for the assessment of the impact of environmental conditions on artworks and museum collections. •Application of modern technologies in heritage conservation – the use of innovative measurement methods and research tools to assess the condition of exhibits and the influence of atmospheric factors on their degradation. •Development of conservation strategies – the creation of effective methods to minimize the negative impact of air pollution on exhibits and historic buildings. •International scientific cooperation – the exchange of experiences between Polish and Norwegian experts in the field of cultural heritage protection and the implementation of innovative solutions at an international level. •Raising ecological and conservation awareness – educating museum staff and the general public about the impact of the environment on historical artifacts and the necessity of their preservation. Thanks to this partnership, the Wawel Royal Castle has gained new tools and conservation strategies that contribute to the improved protection of valuable art collections and cultural heritage.