Sandomierz in south-eastern Poland is home to 25 000 inhabitants and was historically known as a city of learning and culture. 12th century chroniclers mention Sandomierz along with Kraków and Warsaw as the biggest towns in Poland. Sandomierz was a ducal seat and a royal residence, and is known for its beautiful old town, which contains more than 120 well-preserved historic buildings.
One of the historic buildings attracting large number of locals and tourists alike is the nearly 650 years old Cathedral Basilica of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The original Gothic Cathedral was redecorated in the baroque style in the 18th century. The ongoing restoration works focus especially on the 15th century frescoes in the presbytery, said to be the largest ones of their kind still existing in Poland.
In the course of the restoration process, previously unknown older, gothic frescoes have been discovered. The visible parts of these frescoes will be preserved and exhibited.
The conservation departments of the Universities of Krakow, Torun and Warsaw established the company which is carrying out the restoration works. Poland`s leading expert in the field, Prof. Zalewski from the University of Krakow, is supervising the restoration.
The project will also finance new loud speakers, light and security systems, and includes a number of research activities, such as photogrammetric surveys and thermal imaging. The project has attracted considerable interest and has been subject of a series of lectures and study tours.
Sandomierz is also home to an EEA Grants human resources project run by nongovernmental organisation Caritas. The NGO has been awarded funding to establish a vocational school for young mentally disabled people which will better enable them to enter the labour market and foster their sense of self-respect.