This Way to the Middle Ages: The Spaces of Medievalism (Chapter 3)

The reconstruction of the Old Town of Warsaw reveals the challenges and complexities of medievalism. Originally established in the 13th century, the area was nearly entirely destroyed during World War II, with only 15% surviving. The post-war reconstruction aimed to restore the late medieval cathedral of St John and other buildings, creating an illusion of historical permanence. However, this process is fraught with modern interventions, much like the restoration of Notre Dame in Paris. The study highlights how these reconstructed spaces, while visually reminiscent of the Middle Ages, are in fact palimpsests of various historical eras, often heavily influenced by 19th and 20th-century renovations. This raises questions about the authenticity and continuity of such sites, challenging the notion that they offer a genuine connection to the past.

(Ed.). (2015). 3 This Way to the Middle Ages: The Spaces of Medievalism. Medievalism: A Critical History, 65–91. https://doi.org/10.1515/9781782043973-008