Illumination of cultural heritage objects of the cross-border PL-SK cycling route

Beneficiary: Komańcza Commune

Polish partner: present Palota

Implementation period: 01/03/2021 - 31/10/2021

Realized project value: € 46 240.05, including ERDF co-financing: € 39 304.04

In order to expose and increase the attractiveness of cultural heritage objects in the Komańcza commune, the Orthodox church in Kulaszne, Szczawne, Smolnik and Radoszyce was illuminated, and in Slovakia, Orthodox churches from 1622 in Palota will be built. The implementation of the project allowed us to enjoy the beauty and unique charm of the illuminations made not only during the day, but also after dark. The project also included educational and promotional activities: a trip along the cross-border bicycle route was an opportunity to present the historical and cultural "treasures" of the region, and a photo competition for the most beautiful photo of an illuminated church allowed to capture the effects of joint efforts. A folk-style event, during which an exhibition of handicrafts and a photo exhibition of competition works took place, strengthened Polish-Slovak contacts, integrated the local community and served to maintain regional and cultural traditions.

The main activities carried out under the project:

• Construction of illumination lighting for cultural facilities and making a model of the Slovak church. On the Polish side, the exterior lighting of four Orthodox churches was made in the following villages: Kulaszne, Szczawne, Smolnik and Radoszyce. On the Slovak side, in the town of Palota, a model of the non-existent church from 1622 was created. Information and promotion boards have been placed next to the churches. Both the illumination of sacred buildings and the model of the church made it possible to distinguish them from the cross-border landscape both during the day and at night, which increased the attractiveness of the buildings as well as the border region. As part of the project, a folder was also published and a video was recorded promoting the project and cultural heritage sites, which was then broadcast on TVP3 Rzeszów.
• Organizing a trip along the cross-border bicycle trail and a promotional and folklore event. The trip included visiting the Orthodox churches in Kulaszne, Szczawne, Smolnik and Radoszyce, in which the illumination lighting was made. Tour participants could listen to the historical facts presented by the guide and their translation into Slovak. The tour was followed by a multicultural promotion and folklore event. Two folklore groups performed at the event, you could see an exhibition of handicrafts and photos from the photo competition for the most beautiful photo of an illuminated church organized as part of the project. During the event, you could taste traditional dishes from the border region. The trip and the event were attended by representatives of the Komańcza and Paloty commune, local activists and local residents, 132 people in total.

We encourage you to watch the film material made as part of the project https://www.facebook.com/gmkomancza/videos/536153410784214/