Old City of Zamość

World Heritage Research

Discover scientific research and academic studies that deepen our understanding of Old City of Zamość from its history and significance to its conservation, management, and contemporary challenges.

• Wspomnienie o Bronisławie Schönbornie (1909—1971)

  Bronisław Schönborn (1909–1971) is celebrated for his significant contributions to documenting and promoting Cracow's monumental architecture, particularly its Renaissance heritage. His extensive body of work, executed in Koh-i-Noor crayon on cardboard, included detailed drawings of Cracow's suburban houses, courtyards, portals, and the royal castle of Wawel, as well as architectural landmarks in Tarnów, Zamość, Sandomierz, Lublin, and Jarosław. Schönborn's meticulous documentation not only preserved historical details but also played a pivotal role in raising awareness about Cracow's cultural heritage. Recognized for his expertise as a guide, lecturer, and journalist, he collaborated with institutions such as the Historical Museum of the City of Cracow and the Society of Lovers of Cracow History and Monuments. His legacy is further underscored by prestigious awards, including the Golden Distinction of the City of Cracow (1959) and the Millenium Award of the Polish State (1963).

  Opalińska, S. (2026). Wspomnienie o Bronisławie Schönbornie (1909—1971). Krzysztofory. Zeszyty Naukowe Muzeum Historycznego Miasta Krakowa, 20, 158–165. https://doi.org/10.32030/krzy.1998.12

  View Publication Record | Read Publication

• The Renovation of the Former Zamość Academy Building in Zamość in the Context of Renovation and Research Challenges

  During the renovation of the former Zamość Academy building, completed in 2024, significant historical discoveries were made that shed light on the building's complex architectural history. These included 18th-century illusionistic wall paintings in the chapel and Jan Kanty Hall, floors from various periods, foundations of older structures, and remarkably preserved 18th-century recessed latrines with wooden seating elements. The findings also revealed attempts to address high wall moisture and early heating systems from the 19th century. These discoveries expanded beyond the original renovation scope, providing valuable insights into the building's evolution, the city's history, and regional architectural practices.

  janus, k., & Krupa, K. (2025). The Renovation of the Former Zamość Academy Building in Zamość in the Context of Renovation and Research Challenges. Civil and Environmental Engineering Reports, 35(1), 116–141. https://doi.org/10.59440/ceer/199691

  View Publication Record | Read Publication

• Digital Tool Supporting the Documentation and Analysis of Cultural Heritage – The Case of the Analytical 3D Model of the Zamość Fortress

  A city-scale digital twin of Zamość UNESCO Old Town, integrating advanced technologies such as LiDAR/TLS, UAV photogrammetry, and terrestrial photogrammetry with BIM/IFC standards, has been developed. This innovative tool enables comprehensive documentation, conservation planning, and energy analysis at an unprecedented scale. By combining high-resolution 3D data acquisition methods with Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows, the model provides a robust framework for preserving cultural heritage while supporting sustainable urban development strategies.

  Wac, M., & Szostak, B. (2026). Digital Tool Supporting the Documentation and Analysis of Cultural Heritage – The Case of the Analytical 3D Model of the Zamość Fortress. Computer Assisted Methods in Engineering and Science, 33(1): 27–49. https://doi.org/10.24423/CAMES.2025.1943

  View Publication Record | Read Publication

• Zamość (1918–1939)

  Zamość's city walls, central to its identity as both a fortress and symbol of Polish resilience, underwent significant mythologization during the interwar period (1918–1939). This study reveals how the city, one of Europe's best-preserved old towns, adapted its narrative post-independence to align with Polish national identity, emphasizing themes of martyrdom and victory. Research involved analyzing historical studies and revitalization efforts on key sites like the Great Market Square and collegiate church, shedding light on the broader cultural and ethnic dynamics in the Chełm/Kholm region. The findings underscore the importance of contextualizing Zamość's history within its contested geographical and social landscape.

  Korneluk, P. (2024). Zamość (1918–1939). Urban Communities and Memories in East-Central Europe in the Modern Age, 157–170. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781032703206-12

  View Publication Record | Read Publication

• Draft of the Zamość development plan of 1939

  A comparative analysis of the 1939 Zamość Development Plan and modern urban planning documents reveals that pre-war proposals by architects Jan Zachwatowicz and Władysław Wieczorkiewicz anticipated key elements missing from contemporary plans. The study highlights the plan's emphasis on municipal public transport as a foundation for functional zoning, as well as its comprehensive approach to preserving urban, architectural, and cultural values. While the 1994 General Local Plan is noted as the best post-war document, it lacks the visionary elements present in the 1939 plan. The research method involved analyzing historical planning materials, specialist literature, and cartographic sources, including maps from the 2018 monograph 'Cartographic zamostiana.'

  Przegon, W. (2023). Draft of the Zamość development plan of 1939. Geomatics, Landmanagement and Landscape, (1). https://doi.org/10.15576/gll/2023.1.75

  View Publication Record | Read Publication

• The Case Study of Using Photogrammetric Systems and Laser Scanning for Three-Dimensional Modeling of Cultural Heritage Sites

  Advanced geodetic techniques, combining photogrammetry and laser scanning, successfully created a precise 3D model of the Zamość town hall, addressing challenges like image blurriness and exposure variations. The study demonstrated that unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can effectively capture hard-to-reach areas such as roof structures, while ground-based laser scanners provide detailed measurements of building vertices. This hybrid approach offers a robust method for digitizing complex historical architectures, providing valuable resources for preservation efforts and heritage documentation.

  Małyszek, H. A., Stachula, S., & Kępowicz, B. (2023). The Case Study of Using Photogrammetric Systems and Laser Scanning for Three-Dimensional Modeling of Cultural Heritage Sites. Advances in Science and Technology Research Journal, 17(6), 345–357. https://doi.org/10.12913/22998624/174063

  View Publication Record | Read Publication

• Tadeusz Zaremba (1895-1964) – architekt miejski Zamościa. Szkic biograficzny – wstęp do badań

  Tadeusz Zaremba (1895–1964) emerges as a pivotal yet underrecognized figure in the architectural preservation of Zamość, Poland. His two-decade tenure as the city’s municipal architect saw him restore historic structures within the Old Town ensemble while fiercely opposing unauthorized modifications that disrupted architectural coherence. A skilled designer, his projects ranged from residential dwellings to public buildings, with a marked preference for the dwork (country manor) style during the interwar period. Despite his significant contributions, Zaremba remains without a dedicated biography. This study serves as a foundational sketch for an upcoming monograph, drawing on archival sources—including those in Zamość’s State Archive—to reconstruct his life and legacy.

  Polańska, E. (2023). Tadeusz Zaremba (1895-1964) – architekt miejski Zamościa. Szkic biograficzny – wstęp do badań. Facta Simonidis, 16(2), 101–130. https://doi.org/10.56583/fs.2456

  View Publication Record | Read Publication