As of 1 March 2025, the Capital Conservator of Monuments has taken over some of the competences previously held by the Mazovian Voivodeship Conservator of Monuments. This is the result of an agreement concluded between the Mazovian Voivode and the Mayor of Warsaw on 19 December 2024. The change is aimed at improving the care of monuments in the capital’s area and managing the city’s cultural heritage more effectively.
Capital Monument Conservator – new tasks
Under the agreement, the Office of the Capital Conservator of Monuments (BSKZ) has been given the authority to agree on conservation and construction work on immovable monuments. In addition, it will issue conservation recommendations and deal with issues relating to archaeological research and monuments discovered during earthworks. The new powers also include the issuing of permits to carry out works within objects listed in the register of monuments, including green areas and historic parks. In addition, the capital’s conservator will be responsible for agreeing construction projects concerning objects stuck in the municipal register of monuments. The new regulations cover most of Warsaw, although the Office of the Capital Conservator will not deal with movable monuments.
Competencies of the Mazovian Conservator of Monuments
Despite the changes, the Mazovian Voivodeship Conservator of Monuments (MWKZ) continues to supervise monuments located in buildings belonging to ministries, marshal and voivodeship offices and embassies. His remit also includes the care of buildings within monuments of history, such as the Royal Route, the Warsaw Filters and the Powązki cemetery complex. The MWKZ continues to supervise monuments inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, including the Old Town and the Royal Castle.
Facilities for Warsaw residents
The change in the division of competences will not affect ongoing proceedings and residents will not have to go through additional formalities. Applications submitted to the conservator will automatically be directed to the competent authority. To simplify the application process, an online application will be launched in March 2025. Using it, residents will be able to check which office they should direct their application to. The application will be available on the website of the Office of the Capital Conservator of Monuments.
What does the new division of competences change?
The new regulations are aimed at streamlining decision-making processes concerning the protection of monuments in Warsaw. The transfer of competencies to the Capital Monument Conservator will allow faster decision-making regarding objects within the capital. This, in turn, will have a positive impact on the city’s development by enabling better management of historic heritage. The change also means a more precise division of responsibilities between the two conservation bodies, which may contribute to more effective protection of the city’s historic resources.
Source: Warsaw City Hall
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