The main objective of the meeting was the popularisation of European tourist tracks that were related with Romanesque architecture and European cultural heritage.


Among invited speakers were representatives of Polish "Romanesque routes", German route "Wege in die Romanik", Museum of the Earlier Piast dynasty in Legnica , Polish "Route of the Knights Templar".

One of the important guests was professor from Faculty of European cultural heritage from European University "Viadrina".

The conference was accompanied by the photo exhibition under the title of "Romanesque Europe- Romanesque architecture in Poland, Germany and France".

The support for the conference was given by the Foundation of Polish-German Cooperation and the patronage was offered by Polish Tourism Development Agency, Deutsche Zentrale fur Tourismus e.v "via Polska" and magazine "Rynek Turystyczny" from Warsaw.

The meeting was also held under the patronage of "Weimar Triangle", Polish-German-French cooperation and it was a first step of a big information campaign prepared by Mr Grzegorz Bednarek and Foundation of Collegium Pollonicum, which was due to promote European cultural routes and Polish , German Christian heritage before the visit of Benedict XVI in Poland.

At the same time conference was commemorating Polish-German year of 2006 and the 500th anniversary of University of "Viadrina" in Frankfurt on Oder.

The meeting was officially opened by the president of the Foundation of Collegium Polonicum, who has, since very beginning, stressed the importance of mutual support of neighbouring countries.

The scientific approach to Romanesque architecture was presented by professor Hangelhaupt from European University of "Viadrina" who by depicting the history of "dark ages", descriptions of cathedral and castle of Piast dynasty, its equivalents on the other side of river Odra, until the current approach on Romanesque architecture of territories of middle Odra was able to picture the cross border aspect of Romanesque architecture.

Lots of experience were shared. For example Jurgen Harry from Helmstedt district presented project "Wege in die Romanik" with its 16 different routes.

The biggest attention of gathered guests attracted the description of 5 day hiking route among Romanesque architecture , which has his spectacular happy end with a wedding of two young people in a Romanesque cathedral. Mentioned project aroused interest not only among participants of the meeting but also was able to attract attention of local press and electronic media in a district of Helmsted.

Speakers who attended the meeting have presented various examples, case studies in the field of the Romanesque architecture.

The best examples of practises, life projects, successful ideas fill with the optimism not only the creators but also serve as a source of inspiration for the rest of participants.

Romanesque architecture route was initiated in Poland in 1999, bringing closer the idea of French-German- Polish contexts of 1000 anniversary of the Gniezno Congress during which Boleslaus The Brave received Otto III, the Emperor of Germany.

Romanesque architecture in Poland spreads in four voivodships with about 40 discovered objects.

The border for that architecture is Vistula river. Interesting examples of that art can be found in architecture of the Knights Templar and the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem. The knights Templar founded in regions belonging to Poland about 10 commanderies, but to the oldest ones belong commandery in Chwraszczany and Rurka, both presented during the conference.

Archeological and architectural researches that are carried out right now in both chapels helped to recognised relicts of earlier settlements, determination of elements of medieval commandery development as well as popularisation of chapels image.

Museum of the Earlier Piast dynasty in Ostrow Legnicki delighted gathered people by its presentation of borough in Legnica, in Giecz, Grybow, Ethnographical Park of Wilekopolska in Dziekanowice.

It is in the island of the lake Legnica, where is situated the remaining of early middle aged borough dating back to the time of Polish Piast dynasty.

The palatial - sacral chapel from the 10th century is an unique example of pre-Romanesque founded in mentioned borough.

The conference has brought to life some important issues.

The questions concerning creation of common logotype for all Romanesque pieces of art, that could serve as a unification tool for routes and common activities.


Under discussion was also a matter of establishing regional branches that could coordinate routes in Poland or even the creation of a main centre for the Odra basin.

Besides the practical aspects, which referred to promotion of Romanesque architecture, protection and popularisation of heritage.

The conference was accompanied by the special atmosphere that let to detect the magic of fairytale, medieval period, to develop the passion, to replay the history and simply to be delighted by the beauty of the Romanesque heritage.