Journeys between history and the present day

Beneficiary:   Besko commune

Slovak partner:   Klub vojenskej histórie a strelecký klub Hodošík, oz

Slovak partner:   Detská organizácia Fénix, oz, Územná organizácia Snina

Implementation period:   01/07/2018 - 30/06/2019

Realized project value: € 104,645.67 , including ERDF co-financing: € 88,948.81 ,

Currently, the "fashion" for patriotism is returning, and the interest in military equipment is experiencing a kind of renaissance, which is why history lovers had a unique opportunity to participate in the reconstruction of the Battle of Mymon - one of the battles of the famous Gorlice Operation from World War I, organized as part of the project. Additionally, in the vicinity of Besko and Snina, integration workshops were organized for a reconstruction group from Slovakia and Poland. The project activities were not only a treat for history enthusiasts, but also cycling and hiking enthusiasts. Bicycle maneuvers were organized and a special application with a map was developed. Among the children, in turn, interest in sightseeing and tourism was aroused through the organization of camps. The project created an area of cooperation in which state borders do not constitute a significant barrier, and the local community had a real opportunity to meet, get to know and make friends.

The main activities carried out under the project:

• Increased interest of tourists in the region of the Polish-Slovak borderland through living history . As part of the task, the reconstruction of the Battle of Mymoń was prepared, which was a unique opportunity to experience the fights of the First World War that took place during the so-called Gorlice operation. Over 500 soldiers who are buried in the cemetery in the Mymoński Forest died in these fights. The prepared reconstruction gathered around 3,000 viewers from Poland and Slovakia. Before the staging, there was a ceremonial laying of flowers at the war cemetery in Mymoń, with the participation of the local authorities of the region and hundreds of residents and tourists. The event was attended by 2 reconstruction groups from Poland and Slovakia. An opening and summary conference was also organized, attended by representatives of opinion-forming circles in the field of tourism from Poland and Slovakia.
• By bike on the Polish-Slovak border . Family Bicycle Maneuvers were carried out, i.e. a bicycle rally in an innovative, experimental formula. The family teams started from: Puławy Górne, Wola Sękowa and Besko. The goal was to reach the finish line in Besko, at the set time of 4 p.m., along the longest and most interesting route. The participants received additional points for the size of the team, the lowest age and the largest possible number of family members in the team. The international, 16-person Polish-Slovak team won. About 100 people participated in the event. A map was also developed as a sightseeing monograph of the Ambitious Tourism Basin along with an application for smartphones.
• Development of tourism for children and youth . The aim of this task was to awaken interests related to sightseeing and tourism, getting to know the natural environment, traditions, historical and cultural monuments of the Ambitious Tourism Area. As part of the task, joint camps for children and youth were organized. The first one was held in Poland, for Slovak children and youth. 50 people took part in it. In addition to getting to know the natural environment, traditions, historical and cultural monuments in the area of Ambitious Tourism, the participants also learned to ski, met their peers from Besko at joint workshops and meetings. The second camp was held in Slovakia for children and young people from Poland. During their stay, the participants got to know the attractions of Snina and the whole region. Additionally, a bicycle trip was organized in the Vihorlat Mountains. During the camp, joint culinary workshops devoted to regional dishes were also organized.
• Action for cross-border integration devoted to historical heritage. As part of the task, training sessions - integration workshops for reconstruction groups from Poland and Slovakia were organized. Trainings took place on both sides of the border. During the meeting in Slovakia, the reconstruction of the battle was discussed together, the scenario of events and the battlefield scenery were prepared. On the other hand, in Poland, during the workshops, participants learned about the history of the struggle for independence and the battles of the Gorlice Operation.

We encourage you to watch   material broadcast on TVP3 Rzeszów   about the implemented project activities and to get acquainted with   a map created as part of a microproject .