<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<p>A significant phenomenon of sacral complexes in a landscape is their cultural heritage dimension. They are part of historical landscape structures, representing a type of cultural landscape. In addition, they are often perceived as important landscape landmarks and symbols. In Slovakia (Central Europe), most such complexes are abandoned and deteriorated. In this context presented paper deals with the assessment and possible future human use of Calvary in Hliník nad Hronom (Slovakia) in order to preserve it for future generations. A central aspect of our research work presented in this contribution is to elaborate a sustainable and feasible concept for the Calvary following the integrated approach of its revitalization. Firstly, we analyzed Calvary´s historical and regional setting with the help of a thorough review of literature, historical maps, and pictures. Then we evaluated architectural, landscape, and vegetation values, as well as landscape structure changes using relevant methodologies. Based on this evaluation, much fieldwork, and social survey we were able to identify the current problems of the place connected with abandonment and use, evaluated values, socio-economic factors, and preservation policies. Subsequently, we prepared a future concept for the Calvary following the selected criteria and distinguishing features and looking at the Calvary as a result of collective work. Finally, recommendations were formulated for legal framework and spatial planning procedures in order to enforce better preservation of values of sacral complexes in the country.</p>
</abstract>

A significant phenomenon of sacral complexes in a landscape is their cultural heritage dimension. They are part of historical landscape structures, representing a type of cultural landscape. In addition, they are often perceived as important landscape landmarks and symbols. In Slovakia (Central Europe), most such complexes are abandoned and deteriorated. In this context presented paper deals with the assessment and possible future human use of Calvary in Hliník nad Hronom (Slovakia) in order to preserve it for future generations. A central aspect of our research work presented in this contribution is to elaborate a sustainable and feasible concept for the Calvary following the integrated approach of its revitalization. Firstly, we analyzed Calvary´s historical and regional setting with the help of a thorough review of literature, historical maps, and pictures. Then we evaluated architectural, landscape, and vegetation values, as well as landscape structure changes using relevant methodologies. Based on this evaluation, much fieldwork, and social survey we were able to identify the current problems of the place connected with abandonment and use, evaluated values, socio-economic factors, and preservation policies. Subsequently, we prepared a future concept for the Calvary following the selected criteria and distinguishing features and looking at the Calvary as a result of collective work. Finally, recommendations were formulated for legal framework and spatial planning procedures in order to enforce better preservation of values of sacral complexes in the country.

Assessing current use and visions for sacral complexes in a landscape: An example from Central Europe

UNESCO Department for Ecological Awareness and Sustainable Development

Department of Land and Water Resources Management

Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Regional Development

GeoScape

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

A significant phenomenon of sacral complexes in a landscape is their cultural heritage dimension. They are part of historical landscape structures,...

Assessing current use and visions for sacral complexes in a landscape: An example from Central Europe

Published Online: Dec 14, 2023

Page range: 150 - 165

Received: Mar 16, 2023

Accepted: Jun 11, 2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/geosc-2023-0010

Keywords
Calvary, Cultural landscape, Place values, Renewal, Utilization

© 2023 Ingrid Belčáková et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Assessing current use and visions for sacral complexes in a landscape: An example from Central Europe

Published Online: Dec 14, 2023

Page range: 150 - 165

Received: Mar 16, 2023

Accepted: Jun 11, 2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/geosc-2023-0010

KeywordsCalvary, Cultural landscape, Place values, Renewal, Utilization

© 2023 Ingrid Belčáková et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Keywords
Calvary, Cultural landscape, Place values, Renewal, Utilization