Implementation of project tasks

CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE WORKS

Main construction and conservation works were carried out from January 2018 to August 2020. The scope of work included the renovation of part of the main roof and the roofs of the side chapels, as well as the renovation and maintenance of the church vaults and the external facade. In addition, some works were also conducted in the attic of the church, where a communication route was created. The commencement of works was preceded by the preparation of expert opinions and detailed designs. On behalf of the parish, the investor supervised the proper implementation of the works. God bless all Contractors for the contribution and effort put into this renovation.

PROTECTION OF STAINED WINDOWS WITH THE MAINTENANCE OF STAINED WINDOWS FROM THE WEST FACADE

From November 2019 to June 2020, work was carried out on the three largest stained glass windows in the Basilica. These stained glass windows were made in the years 1958-1967 according to a design by a famous artist - Adam Stalony-Dobrzański, a professor at the Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow. They are valuable works of stained glass art. The necessity to carry out thorough work on the stained glass windows and their protection was found during restoration works on the west facade. The stained glass windows were damaged by unfavorable weather conditions (aggressive gases, winds and winds) and birds. The work on the stained glass consisted of the maintenance of stained glass with metal elements and securing them with external glass and a mesh located in the upper parts of the windows. God bless all Contractors for the contribution and effort put into this renovation.

MAINTENANCE OF THE EASEL PAINTING OF "MOTHER OF GOD WITH CHILDREN AND THE FOURTEEN HOLY HELPERS"

The historic painting Mother of God with the Child and Fourteen Holy Helpers, painted on wood, was created in 1524 by Hans Dürer. Thanks to the conservation work carried out, it was possible to regain the former splendor of the painting and its frame. The work can be admired in the chapel of St. Joseph in the left aisle of the Basilica. It can also be done by the visually impaired thanks to the execution and installation of a bas-relief of the painting near the chapel.

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR WORK OF THE ORGAN

The currently existing organ was built in 1972 by the well-known family organ building company Biernacki. It is pipe organ with 45 voices. The previous organ was destroyed in a fire in 1945. Restoration and renovation works were carried out on the playing table, the track, bellows, wind braces and pipes. The air blower and the electrical installation were replaced.

PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES

For the project some necessary equipment and accessories, that will help in achieving the planned goals, were also purchased. Installing a monitoring system (cameras, sensors, etc.) will allow the Basilica and its monuments to be secured against theft and damage. 20 audioguides have been ordered, which will make it easier for tourists (also English-speaking) to visit the church. Navigating the Basilica with an audioguide will be facilitated by information boards in 5 languages (including Braille) marking the route. The plaques also have QR codes, thanks to which it will be possible to use a smartphone to see the interesting places of the Basilica. For the visually impaired, a relief of the famous painting Mother of God with the Child and the Fourteen Holy Helpers by Hans Dürer has been prepared.

INFORMATION AND PROMOTION ACTIVITIES

Information and promotion activities are aimed at increasing public awareness of the share of EU funds in projects implemented by the Infrastructure and Environment Operational Program.
On March 2, 2018, a conference inaugurating the project was organized at the parish presbytery. During the conference, information on the OPI & E Program as well as assumptions and goals of the project were presented. The meeting was attended by representatives of local government and church authorities as well as the media.
During the project, banners and rollups were also purchased. Articles about the project were published in the local press, radio and television. Information folders and leaflets were ordered. A commemorative plaque has been placed. A website was also created with a digital representation of the Basilica and its monuments, enabling a virtual tour of it.
At the end of the project, a second conference was organized, this time summarizing the activities carried out under the project.

DESIGN DOCUMENTATION PREPARATION

The project documentation was necessary to be able to apply for funding from the Infrastructure and Environment Operational Program. Therefore, long before the start of the project, documents were developed to obtain the necessary permits: conservation work programs, construction projects and cost estimates. Applications for co-financing with attachments and a feasibility study for the project were prepared. Market research and demand analysis were carried out. On the other hand, just before the conservation and construction works, the detailed documentation of the elevations and vaults was prepared, as well as an expert opinion with the examination of vaults.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

A project management team was appointed to coordinate the project. Due to the scale of the project and in order to properly carry out construction works, the investor's supervision was also selected.