Approaches to Organizing Recreational Spaces in Forefields of Historic Fortification

Landscaping historic castle forefields to create recreational spaces can exacerbate soil subsidence and foundation damage, particularly when castles are located near water bodies. A study analyzing the landscape design techniques of Oświęcim Castle, Malbork Castle (including its Lower Castle), and Wawel Castle in Kraków found that while such transformations offer functional benefits, they also pose risks to the structural integrity of these historic fortifications. The research identified common and distinctive features among recreational techniques applied to castle territories and proposed potential modifications to mitigate negative impacts. The findings highlight the need for careful planning to balance functionality with preservation, especially in areas prone to moisture-related instability.

Ivashko, Y., Dmytrenko, A., Krupa, M., Tudora, G., Bednarz, Ł.,. (2026). Approaches to Organizing Recreational Spaces in Forefields of Historic Fortification. International Journal of Conservation Science, 17(2), 517–528. https://doi.org/10.36868/ijcs.2026.02.07