Szanowni Czytelnicy!

This issue of ”Ochrona Zabytków” opens with a text associated with the conception of creating a Polish archaeological heritage database. The necessity of embarking upon such a task is all too obvious. Before this takes place it is necessary to realise a number of organisational and methodological tasks by basing ourselves to a great measure on European experiences. Suitable work carried out by the National Heritage Board of Poland should in the nearest future produce a cohesive realisation concept. Numerous monuments across the country continue to conceal assorted secrets connected with the history of their erection and consecutive transformations. In order to unravel them it is mandatory to commence the cooperation of architects and archaeologists. The effects include an article about the heretofore little examined monument of Romanesque architecture in Krzyworzeka (the county of Wielun). It is worth examining the past of this particular monument, while at the same time becoming acquainted with the workshop applied by outstanding experts on architecture. By way of contrast with churches maintained in good condition, we discuss the ownerless and abandoned churches facing total devastation in north-western Ukraine. Unfortunately, the time when we shall take a last look at the rapidly disappearing traces of valuable monuments of Polish culture is approaching at an equally quick rate; registering them is, therefore, our common obligation. Another interesting topic is the assessment of the resources of historical castles. The investment projects pursued by numerous managers of historical complexes of mediaeval architecture frequently remain at odds with the elementary principles of conservation. We still have a chance to satisfactorily protect and display the extraordinary landscape qualities of castle ruins. Superficial adaptation and reconstruction can deprive us of such an opportunity. This topic, of immense importance within the context of plans for the reconstruction of many mediaeval castles, will be soon considered in ”Ochrona Zabytków”. I also recommend other interesting articles on the practical problems of the daily protection or conservation of historical monuments. Respectfully yours Marcin Gawlicki Director of the National Heritage Board of Poland