Cathedral Treasury in Wrocław
Masterpieces of Sacred Goldsmithing in Silesia
In March 2023, our foundation, in collaboration with the cathedral parish, received a financial grant from the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage for the project “Priceless Artifacts of the Wrocław Cathedral Treasury and the Silver Main Altar of Bishop Jerin Digitally and Virtually in 3D.” Additional financial support was provided by the PKO Bank Polski Foundation. This is the second project we have carried out on Ostrów Tumski in Wrocław; a year earlier, we received funding from the same institutions to disseminate the digital resources of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist — Mother of the Churches of Silesia.
Cathedral Treasury in Wrocław
The cathedral treasury in Wrocław, located on Ostrów Tumski, is one of the most important sacred treasuries in Poland. Its rich collection includes sacred art from Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque periods, up to 20th-century modernism. These unique artifacts are not only a testament to the region’s religiosity but also to its rich artistic history.
The project focused on digitally recreating the treasury’s non-publicly displayed resources, with particular emphasis on the main altar of Bishop Andreas Jerin, reconstructed in 2019. The silver figures of this altar are among the finest works of late Renaissance art in Silesia. Silesian goldsmithing, known for its precision and masterful craftsmanship, reflects the rich influences of various artistic styles.
Technology and Innovation
During the project, the latest 2D/3D measurement and visualization technologies were used, along with internet technologies such as a multilingual website and a mobile application for smartphones and VR goggles. These ensure interactivity for all types of audiences, with special attention to people with disabilities (WCAG 2.1 standard).
Significance of the Project
The main goal of the project is to disseminate knowledge about these unique artifacts and preserve the entire collection in digital form for conservation purposes, scientific research, and protection in case of destruction, which is particularly important in the context of contemporary threats such as the war in Ukraine. Digital documentation of the artifacts is crucial for their protection and conservation, and it allows future generations to better understand and appreciate the artistic value of these works.
Historical and Cultural Context
Ostrów Tumski, as the oldest part of Wrocław, is of key importance to the history of the city and the region. It is home to many monuments of great artistic and historical value. The project is part of broader efforts to protect and promote the cultural heritage of Silesia, making a significant contribution to the cultural and educational development of the region.
Despite the completion of the current project, the digitization process of the treasury will continue in the coming years, allowing for the preservation of more valuable works of art for future generations. Through this project, the cathedral treasury in Wrocław gains new life in the digital world, enabling better understanding and appreciation of its value by current and future generations.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)