Published : 2023-12-09

Small Calvary Complexes as Part of the Landscape Heritage in the Klodzko Region

Abstract

The article addresses the importance of sacred landscapes, represented by calvary complexes located in Kłodzko’s mountainous areas, known as ‘small calvaries’, which are part of the region’s landscape heritage in need of protection. The aim of the study described in the article was to identify typological features that characterise small calvaries and to use them for assessing their current state of preservation and functions. 16 small calvaries were identified in the Kłodzko region. After analysing their symbolic, architectural and topographic aspects, it was possible to distinguish five compositional plans. Each plan is characterised by different architectural and structural elements that make up the a calvary complex (including crosses, edifices, chapels, or churches) and are accompanied by new sacred sculptures, which are an expression of modern folk culture. Despite political, ethnic and religious changes after 1945, small calvaries in the Kłodzko region, with the exception of those located in Młynowiec, Poręba and Wójtowice, are still visible and serve as testimony to the religiosity of the region’s inhabitants; three of the remaining thirteen calvaries (Radochów, Międzygórze and Lewin Kłodzki) were highly assessed in terms of their functions and state of preservation. The sites have a historical, cultural, theological and emotional value of regional, national, and even international significance in the case of the calvary complex on Igliczna in Międzygórze. Consequently, it can be argued that the old description of Kłodzko as ‘God’s Land’ (Herrgottsland) is still valid today.

Keywords:

Poland, the Klodzko region, sacred landscape, small calvaries, cultural heritage



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Łach, J., & Marek, A. (2023). Small Calvary Complexes as Part of the Landscape Heritage in the Klodzko Region. Studia Periegetica, 44(4), 91–112. https://doi.org/10.58683/sp.600

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Uniwersytet WSB Merito w Poznaniu
ul. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 5
61-895 Poznań
e-mail: journals@poznan.merito.pl
University
Uniwersytet WSB Merito w Poznaniu / WSB Merito University
ul. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 5
61-895 Poznań

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