Provins as an example of a “live museum”

Cracow University of Technology, Faculty of Architecture, Podchorążych Street 1, Cracow, Poland

^* Corresponding author: dkusnierz-krupa@pk.edu.pl

Abstract

The article concerns the history, revalorisation and accessibility of the cultural heritage in the historic town of Provins, located to the southwest of Paris. The town was founded in the early medieval period, and in the 12th and 13th century it was one of the most prominent fair towns in Champagne. Many valuable monuments of that period have survived until the present time, such as the urban layout, the defensive walls, the Cesar tower supposedly relating to the legendary origins of the town dating back to the Roman period, churches and relics of residential buildings. In 2001, the above mentioned buildings were appreciated and distinguished by the UNESCO Committee which inscribed Provins in the World Heritage List. This distinction is not merely a matter of pride for the local authorities, but also an obligation to properly maintain the historic heritage, to revalorise it constantly and to educate the community regarding the protection of the town heritage. It must be stated that the authorities perfectly fulfil their responsibilities, which is worth presenting in this article to set an example of proper cultural heritage management for other historic towns.