Kujawsko-Pomorskie inspires: Project Team Study Visit

From 28 to 30 April 2025, the Kujawsko-Pomorskie region in Poland hosted a study visit as part of the Interreg Europe project REliHE – Religious Heritage in Rural Areas. Delegations from the Czech Republic, Germany, Latvia, and Spain gathered to explore how rural religious heritage can be preserved and creatively reused to respond to today’s social, cultural, and economic needs.

Religious heritage is a vital yet often underused component of Europe’s cultural landscape—particularly in rural areas. Many churches, monasteries, and sacred sites have lost their original functions due to secularisation, demographic shifts, and complex management or ownership structures. The Kujawsko-Pomorskie visit offered hands-on insights into how these challenges can be addressed through thoughtful reuse strategies that honour both the tangible and intangible value of heritage.

Highlighting Local Identity and Long-Term Commitment

The visit began in Toruń, where participants were introduced to the Regional Heritage Protection Programme—an initiative active since 2007 that supports the conservation and restoration of sacred buildings. This long-term regional policy has positioned Kujawsko-Pomorskie as a national reference in religious heritage management. The group also learned about the “Gothic Churches in the Chełmno Land” project, which celebrates the area’s ecclesiastical and architectural legacy while promoting its role in regional identity and tourism.

Good Practices in Action

Over the three days, participants visited several sites that exemplify sustainable and community-oriented approaches to reuse:

• The Wooden Church of Brzeźno, relocated to the Kujawsko-Dobrzyński Ethnographic Park in Kłóbka, is a compelling example of how endangered wooden architecture can be rescued and given new life. Today, it hosts not only religious celebrations but also cultural events and educational workshops.

• Wietrzychowice Cultural Park demonstrates how prehistoric heritage can inspire local pride and engagement. Its megalithic tombs, sometimes called “Polish Pyramids,” are animated through archaeological festivals, crafts, and family-friendly events.

• The Franciscan Monastery in Pakość has been reimagined as a place for both spiritual reflection and community connection. Café Francesco, located on-site, welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds, hosting concerts, workshops, and social initiatives.

• At the Benedictine Monastery in Mogilno, heritage conservation meets adaptive reuse. This 11th-century site now serves as a venue for cultural programming, spiritual retreats, and exhibitions, maintaining its historical identity while opening up to contemporary needs.

• The Multimedia Museum of Blessed Father Jerzy Popiełuszko in Górsk uses virtual reality and interactive storytelling to share the powerful legacy of a modern martyr. The museum offers an engaging educational space that bridges the past with the present.

• In Płonne, the modest St. James’ Church becomes a stage for local creativity through its annual Passion Play, performed by residents. This initiative merges religious tradition with community participation and tourism.

• The Chopin Centre in Szafarnia, located at the crossroads of the Camino de Santiago and the Chopin Trail, explores how music as intangible heritage can evoke spiritual and cultural meanings. Concerts and educational programmes highlight the region’s connection to Chopin and its religious past.

Rethinking Reuse in Rural Contexts

The Kujawsko-Pomorskie study visit provided tangible examples of how religious heritage can be reactivated with respect and imagination. Instead of focusing solely on physical preservation, the featured initiatives embrace a broader understanding of reuse—one that considers local identity, social inclusion, education, and sustainable development.