Heritage as a palimpsest of valued cultural assets on the problems of frontier land architectural heritage in turbulent times. Example of Poland s Upper Silesia

Tangible and intangible heritage are inextricably linked with the physical area in which they feature, and with the community that cultivates them and passes them on to future generations. The challenging historical, political and social histories of areas touched by wars, devastation and the displacement and extermination of their populations, lead to huge problems with the redefinition and acceptance of heritage. The aim of this paper is to analyse the complexity of this issue and to demonstrate the redefinition and acceptance of heritage as a palimpsest of valued cultural assets, using the example of Poland s Upper Silesia, whose complicated history has left behind cultural stratification of its many nationalities and communities. The heritological research of J.E. Tunbridge and G.L. Ashworth and the critical approach initiated and developed by L. Smith constitute, amongst others, the theoretical perspective behind this work. The starting point for these considerations is the Second World War, the impact of which wholly reconstructed the concept of heritage and identity. A completely new political and social order in Europe, and by extension also in Poland and Silesia, arose following the end of hostilities. The study ends with a reflection on contemporary measures that help redefine the heritage of the region as a polyphony of material and non-material assets and which effectively lead to social acceptance of this particular palimpsest.