July 16, 2014

1146 POLAND (Lublin) - Old City of Zamość (UNESCO WHS)


Founded in the 16th century by the chancellor Jan Zamoysky on the trade route linking western and northern Europe with the Black Sea, Zamość is, in the view of UNESCO, "a unique example of a Renaissance town in Central Europe, consistently designed and built in accordance with the Italian theories of the "ideal town," on the basis of a plan which was the result of perfect cooperation between the open-minded founder, Jan Zamoyski, and the outstanding architect, Bernardo Morando. Zamość is an outstanding example of an innovative approach to town planning, combining the functions of an urban ensemble, a residence, and a fortress in accordance with a consistently implemented Renaissance concept. The result of this is a stylistically homogeneous urban composition with a high level of architectural and landscape values. A real asset of this great construction was its creative enhancement with local artistic architectural achievements."

The most historic buildings are located in the Old Town. The main distinguishing features of the Old Town have been well preserved since its establishment. It includes the regular Great Market Square of 100 x 100 meters (in the upper half of the postcard) with the splendid Townhall and so-called Armenian houses, as well as the fragments of the original fortress and fortifications, including those from the period of the Russian occupation in the 19th century. In the lower half of the postcard is the Redemptorists' Church of St. Nicholas, a former Orthodox church built in 1618-1631. The project was drafted by Jan Jaroszewicz whereas the decorations were designed by Jan Wolff. The domed temple had a defensive purpose. In the 1690s a 38-m tower with a Baroque dome was added. The building has got some features typical of Moldavian Orthodox churches and Latin architecture.

About the stamp 


The stamp is the one issued by Poczta Polska for Europa Stamps 2014, with the theme National Musical Instruments. It was issued on May 5, 2014 and shows a fragment of Polish instrument: the white wedding goat.

References
Zamość - Wikipedia

Old City of Zamość - UNESCO official website

Sender: Władysław Surma (direct swap)
sent from Witkowice (Lesser Poland / Poland), on 30.06.2014
photo:

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