The Church of St. John the Baptist in the Vlach Village of Orawka (the 17th century) – Identification of Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage Assets

A comprehensive analysis of the Church of St. John the Baptist in Orawka, Slovakia, reveals its significance as both a tangible and intangible cultural heritage asset. The study identifies historical art objects and iconographic programs within the church, while also documenting enduring local rituals and customs tied to the site. Conducted between 2015 and 2019, the research employed qualitative methods—including analysis of historic and iconographic sources, open-ended interviews, and participant observation—to explore the church's role as a symbol of Orawa's multicultural history, reflecting influences from Vlach, Ruthenian, Hungarian, Slovak, and Polish cultures. The findings highlight the church's dual heritage: its architectural and artistic value, as well as its living cultural traditions, offering new insights into the intersection of material culture and social practices in a UNESCO-listed site.

Kocój, E., & Borczuch, L. (2024). The Church of St. John the Baptist in the Vlach Village of Orawka (the 17th century) – Identification of Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage Assets. Res Historica, 57, 1509–1548. https://doi.org/10.17951/rh.2024.57.1509-1548