The Lower Silesian Provincial Conservator of Monuments has decided to place Ostaszów under strict conservation protection, recognising the village’s historic rural layout as unique within the region. The decision of 10 July 2026 brings the administrative proceedings to a close, but at the same time marks the start of a new phase – residents are planning to appeal, fearing restrictions on renovations and investment.
The ruling places the entire spatial composition of Ostaszów under protection; according to the long-term Study of Cultural Values drawn up by the National Institute of Heritage – is the only urban unit in Lower Silesia preserved in almost its original form, having been designed from scratch in the 1930s. The Conservator emphasises that the proceedings were conducted without undue delay, analysing both the documented values of the monument and all the evidence submitted by the parties.
The historical value of Ostaszów
In a statement issued following the announcement of the decision, Daniel Gibski pointed out that Ostaszów possesses exceptional historical, scientific and artistic value. The village, founded in 1936 as a model agricultural settlement, is distinguished by its uniform farmstead layout. Experts Dr Sylwia Staszewska and architect Piotr Staszewski describe two characteristic types of farmsteads: the first, in which the residential section, farm buildings and barn form a single block under a shared roof; and the second, based on an L-shaped layout, combining residential and farm functions within a single structure.
The conservation officer points out that similar rural layouts are already listed in the register of historic monuments in other towns and villages in the region – including Brzostów, Stara Góra, Udanin, Goszcz, Markocice, Kudowa-Zdrój-Pstrążna, Wambierzyce and Dobroszyce. As he emphasises, this does not hinder the development of these villages nor does it prevent renovations; rather, the protection helps to prevent inappropriate actions, such as attempts to introduce terraced housing in the historic centre of Ostaszów.
Residents’ opposition
The local community takes a different view. In a statement, village representative Sylwia Mazur emphasised that opposition to the listing was widespread – ranging from residents, through Przemków municipal councillors, to the county authorities. She points out that the decision means all construction work must be consulted with the conservation authorities, which, in the residents’ view, could lead to a standstill in investment.
These concerns are reinforced by the wording of Article 10a of the Act on the Protection of Monuments, which prohibits any work being carried out on a monument until the decision becomes final. This means that an appeal – which may be lodged with the Minister of Culture and National Heritage – automatically suspends all renovation work. Residents have announced that they will make use of this option, whilst preparing for a lengthy administrative procedure.
Declaration of cooperation
Daniel Gibski responds that the conservation authorities are ready to cooperate with the local community once the decision becomes final. He pledges support in drawing up guidelines for carrying out renovations and development projects in accordance with heritage protection regulations. He also emphasises that the narrative about an ‘open-air museum’ is unfounded – the buildings in Ostaszów have been undergoing renovation for years, and the listing is primarily intended to protect the village’s unique character from inappropriate interventions.
The village of Ostaszów was founded in 1936 as a model agricultural colony, built according to a uniform urban layout designed from the outset. During the interwar period, it was known as Hierlshagen, a name given in honour of Konstantin Hierl – commander of the Reichsarbeitsdienst. Farmers were brought to the newly established settlement from various regions of Germany, including Silesia, Thuringia, Hesse and Westphalia. Its characteristic farmstead layout, based on two types of arrangement – a compact residentialand farm buildings under a single roof, and L-shaped farmsteads – remains to this day one of the best-preserved examples of a village from the 1930s in Lower Silesia that was designed from scratch.
photos: Lower Silesian Provincial Conservator of Monuments, polska-org
source: Lower Silesian Provincial Conservator of Monuments, TVN24.pl
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