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CULTURAL HERITAGE OF SMALL SACRAL ARCHITECTURE IN SPIS REGION IN SLOVAKIA

Denisa Halajová, Peter Halaj

Abstract

The region of Spis in North - Eastern Slovakia is a region rich in cultural and natural values. Small sacral structures are significant elements of Spis cultural landscapes and trees are an integral part of them. This paper presents results of field mapping of small sacral objects and their greenery in this region. The presented mapping was conducted within the research project VEGA 1/0371/18 ?SacralArch: Preservation of the Historical Legacy and Architectural Diversity of Small Sacral Structures in Cultural Landscapes of Slovakia?, based on the methodology which includes localisation, spatial context, technical or health condition and an overall description of the sacral element and the woody plants in its direct surroundings. The Spis region is very diverse in terms of natural conditions and culture, so two different parts of this region were chosen. The first is a traditional mining cultural landscape with a characteristic hilly topography, wide forest landscapes and rich mining history. The second is the landscape of Central Spis around Spis Castle, which is an example of a designed Baroque sacral landscape in Slovakia. Results of the mapping of these objects include the typology of small sacral buildings, the material design and the tree species planted around or next to them. Roadside memorial crosses (simple wooden or metal) and chapels with a niche are the most common small sacral elements in Spis region. They are often made of travertine stone which is a regional specificity. Results of the mapping have confirmed that the most common tree genus at objects of small sacral architecture in Spis is linden (Tilia), the most represented species is small-leaved linden (Tilia cordata Mill.), mostly in pairs. These objects are part of the cultural landscape and they require thorough documentation and protection by the state, but the care and maintenance signs of these objects prove that small sacral buildings and trees in the landscape are still a vivid part of everyday lives of the inhabitants.

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DOI resolver: doi.org/10.5593/sgem2020/6.1/s27.067

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