Zamość - a Town
Rich in Arts

Thanks to the great talent and persistence of Jan Zamoyski, the founder, and Bernardo Morando, the builder of the town, Zamość is undoubtedly a piece of art.
Zamość is a unique example of a Renaissance town. Built on the basis of Italian theories of the “perfect town", a plan and spatial composition being consistently implemented, it was created in the Renaissance style and creatively transformed with the use of elements of typically Polish (e.g. attics) and Dutch architecture.
Zamość encompasses different spatial structures; that of a town, a residence, and a fortress that together form a unified composition and spatial development with outstanding artistic attributes in terms of its architectural and landscape properties.

URZĄD MIEJSKI W ZAMOŚCIU
Ratusz, ul. Rynek Wielki 13, 22-400 Zamość
tel. (0 84) 639 20 84,
fax. (0 84) 639 30 54
e-mail: bpm@zamosc.um.gov.pl

Zamość, at the time of its foundation, was an example of a modern, even innovative, town planning, architectural and engineering project both in terms of its function and space organization. It is also a system that served as a housing, service and administration center, as well as a noblemen's residence and prominent cultural center.
The town's fortifications, dating back to the 16th c, constitute a splendid example of the development of the theory and practice of fortifications building throughout ages.
Zamość has also been a paradigm of peaceful coexistence among various cultures and religions and their influence upon the culture and arts, including architecture. The high status of Zamość on the international stage has been confirmed by its being included on UNESCO's World Cultural Heritage List and by the fact that the President of the Republic of Poland recognized it as a Historic Monument.
As a result, the heritage embodied in the town, with its outstanding and unique attributes, is not the sole property of local residents and authorities, but a responsibility of state government.
Fortunately, Zamość is in a quite good shape because its value has been appreciated for decades. Thanks to the work of experts from all over the country and local residents, government's resolutions provided state funds to finance renovation work in the town. The implementation of restoration plans in the years 1976-1985 saved many historic sights from losing their value.
Since 1989, it has been the sole responsibility of the town to continue the renovation work, and it has completed its tasks. A number of initiatives have been taken to restore the splendor of Zamość.
Among these, programs that provide for the sale of individual houses have been introduced. New owners are obliged to conduct repairs in accordance with a conservator's instructions and within prescribed deadlines. As a result, in the last six years about thirty structures have been or are about to be completed. In addition, some municipal buildings and public spaces are partially financed with town's funds.
A Program for the Revival of the Old Town will hopefully result in the improvement of the technical and cultural, as well as the social and economic condition of the city. It will rationalize the rules for managing the Old Town and engage local residents and the owners of houses in the work. A special fund financed from different sources will be established and the revival program, in conjunction with other programs, will employ cultural heritage in the economic development of Zamość.
To sum up, despite several obstacles and a lack of external support, its heritage is not a burden to Zamość. Local residents and authorities are proud of it and aware of the responsibilities resulting from it.

Jarosław Stęplewski
Barbara Skórzyńska