The church complex in Radruż

Abstract

The Orthodox church and stronghold complex located in Radruż is so famous that it is considered one of the most fabulous executions of defensive-sacral wooden architecture in Poland. Built in the 16th century, it comprises the church and other elements that constitute an outstanding illustration of Orthodox Church building art, its symbolism and principles according to which hundreds of similar Orthodox or Greek Catholic churches were constructed. On the other hand, it is clearly defensive in nature, resembling a small medieval fortification, and the conjunction of the religious and defence function is what makes it unique. Conservation works performed in recent years were concluded in 2013 with listing this complex – and three other Orthodox churches situated in the same area – among world heritage by UNESCO. Largely because of this, Radruż – a small Polish borderland village that was almost completely unknown several years ago – nowadays attracts tourists from around the world. This clearly testifies to the fact that the conservation and renovation of historical churches can contribute hugely to the development of such vast, little populated, but beautiful areas and to their increased popularity.