Zasoby zabytków architektury oraz ich użytkowanie i ochrona w turystyce na podstawie badań w Sudetach

The purpose of this analysis is to determine the extent to which the objects of historical architecture in the Sudety Mountains and their foreland can be used by the tourist sector, and presenting against that background the image of tourism as a factor possibly contributive to protecting those monuments. The main method of research consisted in analysing documents: records of historical buildings, tourist publications (guides, maps) and the offers of local travel agencies. Also, research of archives relative to the assessed historical objects of architecture proved relevant, in addition to surveys conducted among local inhabitants of the Sudety Mountains and their foreland, tourists and managers of “tourist” historical objects. Research demonstrated that about 6% of all objects of historical architecture of this region are attributed to the tourist sector. Only 2% have been fully developed for economic purposes within the tourist industry. The historical monuments taken over by tourism have been adapted mainly for accommodation/ gastronomic functions, as well as culture and sports/leisure. Tourism has assimilated mainly those properties that did not require advanced repairs and renovations (ca 70% of assessed units); less objects were taken over that required extensive renovations (25% of assessed units). Research has highlighted the role of tourism as a protective factor in regard of historical objects, in general terms. Protection in this case applies to units that are carefully selected and deemed touristically attractive, it consists in preserving them in good condition thanks to their continuous use; its important element is also education associated with dissemination, providing access to, and reliable promotion of cultural heritage awareness.