The valuation of the attractiveness and touristic potential of the
sacred objects located on the proposed reconstruction of the
Pomeranian Way of St. James.
Tomasz Duda
Małgorzata Duda
Agencja Fotograficzno-Redakcyjna dudowie.pl
The Pomeranian Way of St. James is one of many branches of the most comprehensive and oldest
pilgrimage routes in Europe. Its course along the southern shores of the Baltic Sea, from the land
of Lithuania through Poland and Germany, is being currently reactivated by the RECReate
programme.
In the region of West Pomerania, the route will be marked from the surrounding area of
Sławno on the East, through Koszalin, Kołobrzeg, Trzebiatów, Kamień Pomorski and Wolin
down to Świnoujście and Szczecin. It will coincide with the traditional pilgrimage routes,
currently used in Pomerania, like i.e. “Szczecin Pilgrimage to Jasna Góra” and many other
regional and local routes to important pilgrimage places.
In order to conduct a detailed delineation of the Pomeranian Way of St. James, a careful
inventory of sacred objects and other historical and cultural objects in northern and western
parts of the province were made. As part of this work 89 churches and over 200 objects with
high historical and cultural values were described. All these objects were established with
inventory cards with detailed description of availability, religious and historical value and
usefulness for hiking, biking and riding. A general analysis of accommodation and catering
accompanying the individual objects, as well as photographic documentation was made.
The regional resources such as interesting sacred objects in relation to its many
different fields are the proof of unusual touristic potential of the researched region. But
one must keep in mind the specificity of the Way of St. James as a pilgrimage route, where the
most important element of its operation is focused on motivation and religious character of the
route. Nevertheless, the values of nonreligious objects become a contribution to the object of
greater interest for tourists. It is important to promote the place as worth visiting and learning
about its history, as well as the entire history of the Pomerania.
In order to identify objects which are most relevant for the pilgrimage and tourist
interest on the Way of St. James, all 89 churches have been analysed in great detail in terms of
attractiveness and potential of cultural tourism, particularly in terms of relevance to the route
mentioned above. The measure of attractiveness was not only a historical value of the object, but
also (and perhaps especially) its importance in the past and nowadays for the movement of
pilgrimage, the availability of tourism and communication, as well as the presence of
accommodation connected with the objects or located in its vicinity.
The valuation was carried out using one of the best methods of research of this type
grading points [the method is described below]. Each of the evaluated sites were subjected to
analysis in five categories (see Tab. 1), in which it was given a score according to the intensity of
the phenomenon (from 0 to 2 or 4 points). Categories were tried to be selected in such way that
on this basis it was possible to determine the significance of each object to the planned route.
Additionally, for each object an availability for the disabled (category 6) and the presence of a
suitable infrastructure for cyclists (category 7) and horse tourists(category 8) were indicated.
However, the last three categories are for information only and does not affect their assessment
of the importance of the object for the route. Differences in scores between the categories 1-4
and 5 are mainly due to lower importance of communication availability (category 5), not
determining the position of the object to the proposed route.
Tab.1
Criteria which assessed the sacred objects during the valorisation of cultural and historical
objects on the proposed route of the Way of Saint James.
The main criteria needed for the proper delineation of the Way of St. James:
1. The importance of the site for pilgrimage traffic (historical and contemporary) and the
importance in shaping the religious life of the village or region (0-4 points)
• 4 points - the object which is functioning at regional and over regional level as a place
of great pilgrimage (the target), both in the past and (or) today, the object forming a rich
religious life of the region (to organize various celebrations and events of religious and
cultural significance), in the past or contemporary;
• 3 points - the object which is functioning at local and regional consciousness as a
place of considerable importance to pilgrimage traffic (destination or transit) in the past
or today, the object shapes the local religious life (residential areas, rural or small
towns);
• 2 points - the object which centres around the religious life of the town and its
surrounding area, a place of secondary importance to the movement of pilgrims (mostly
as an object of the pilgrimage route);
• 1 point - the object of local importance, situated slightly away from the historical or
contemporary and medieval pilgrimage routes; object locally shaping the religious life;
• 0 points - the object without any motion of no importance for the pilgrimage,
important on the local scale, mostly as a church or as a affiliate chapel, the lack of
historical significance;
• Additionally, 1 point more was given for an object having the status of the sanctuary;
• Additional 1 point was given for the church of St. James or elements associated with
this person;
2. The availability of tourist facility (0-4 points)
• 4 points - the object universally accessible for tourism, open, opportunity to tour
(guided or on your own);
• 3 points - a facility available for tourist or easily opened at the request of the visitor;
information about the keys or entrance opportunities;
• 2 points - the object partly accessible for tourists
(Including individual pilgrimage traffic) usually open only in the vestibule or porch - the
main part of the church is closed (in the porch there are a trellis or there are glazed
door), opened at the request of the visitor, especially at a time when the host of the
object is currently available (the pastor or a person designated by him);
• 1 point - the object is only available during services or opened at the request of the
visitor (presbytery or a place to store the key on the spot), no information about where
to find the keys and opportunities for entrance;
• 0 points - a facility not available for tourists; closed, the keys are in the parish church
(far from certain branch church) or with a private person responsible for the
maintenance of the church, but are not opening it without the pastor’s permission.
3. The presence of accommodation, available primarily for the movement of pilgrims
(individual or collective) (0-4 points)
• 4 points - the object has its own accommodation facilities, organized, with access to
the kitchen, in the absence of its own base - the presence of such objects in the
immediate vicinity (up to 1 km), the price is up to 30 PLN/person;
• 3 points - object does not have its own accommodation, there are opportunities to
organize such a place on the churchyard, the presence of a base at a distance of up to 2
km away, the price ranges: 20-50 PLN/person;
• 2 points - object does not have its own accommodation, the possibility of organizing
such a base in distant future; accommodation near the modest and not adapted to the
motion of a pilgrimage;
• 1 point - the object does not have its own accommodation, there is no possibility of
organizing such in the parish, in the immediate vicinity of the accommodation (up to 2-3
km), poorly adapted to the nature of the trail;
• 0 points - object does not have its own accommodation, there is no possibility of
organizing such a base in the parish, no organized accommodation in the immediate
vicinity or it is inappropriate (priced hotel, guesthouse, or access only to tourists who
spend longer than 2-3 days) ;
Additional criteria, increasing the attractiveness of the objects along the route the Way of
St. James:
4. The historical value of the object (0-4 points)
• 4 points - the object included in the list of monuments, built during the thirteenth to
the fifteenth century, preserved in its original form (with the possible subsequent
rebuilds), major historical importance; equipment wholly or partially preserved;
• 3 points - the object included in the list of monuments, built during the sixteenth to
the eighteenth century, preserved in its original form (with possible rebuilds at a later
date), historical features totally or partially preserved;
• 2 points - the object included in the list of monuments, built during the thirteenth to
the eighteenth century, but not preserved in their original form (reconstructed or
rebuilt in later periods);
• 1 point - the object included in the list of monuments, built during the nineteenth
and twentieth century, preserved in its original form (with possible rebuilds at a later
date), historical features totally or partially preserved;
• 0 points - the object does not have any historical significance - contemporary or
rebuilt in the form of not referring to the historical one, the historical lack of valuable
equipment or equipment from another church;
• Additional 1 point was given for outstanding historical importance, uniqueness of
design or architectural elements;
5. Communicational accessibility of the object (0-2 points)
• 2 points - the object located on the main road or common tourist routes;
• 1 point - the object located at a distance of 2-3 km away from the common paths of
tourist routes;
• 0 points - the object is located far from the common paths and hiking trails (over 3
km);
ADDITIONALLY
6. Availability of facility for people with disabilities (0 or 1 point)
• 1 point - easy access to the facility for the disabled, presence of ramps or special
equipment, no thresholds or stairs;
• 0 points - a total lack of access for the disabled, the presence of numerous barriers
that prevent entry of wheelchair access (stairs, high thresholds, etc.).
7. The presence nearby of a specialized infrastructure for the cycling pilgrims
(tourists) (0 or 1 point)
• 1 point - the presence of specialized infrastructure (bike racks or a place to closure
and storage), a good label for cycling;
• 0 points - no specialized infrastructure for cycling tourists.
8. The presence nearby of a specialized infrastructure for the horse pilgrims (tourists)
(0 or 1 point)
• 1 point - the presence of specialized infrastructure (stud or a convenient place to
leave your horse at night), good signs for horse riding;
• 0 points - no specialized infrastructure for horse tourists.
Specific indication of the individual categories and the precise scope of categorization allows for
comparability of objects and their relation to each other. This is particularly important in this
type of method, in which it is easy to subjectivism.
The evaluation included all 89 sacred objects, inventoried along the entire research area.
Each of them were assigned with the appropriate number of points in all categories. Final results
are listed in Table 2 and became the basis for the classification of objects according to their
importance for the proposed Pomeranian Way of St. James.
The valuation of sacred objects by way of grading points
Detailed evaluation of sacred objects on the Pomeranian Way of St. James in particular showed
that despite many similarities between the investigated objects, there is the considerable
variation in terms of meaning for the pilgrimage and tourism. Selection of the criteria and
scoring allowed the separation of semantic groups with the objects of a similar point range. The
scope of the information contained in the individual criteria also allowed to explore the potential
of tourism and an indication of the objects of greatest importance in terms of religious and
tourist importance.
The evaluated objects ranging from 3 to 20 points (see Tab. 2). To indicate the
differences and diversity between them, a specific point compartments was assigned, and then
there were created groups with gradually decreasing intensity of the researched potential. The
spatial distribution of the analyzed objects and evaluated in each group are presented in the
summary map (Map 1).
Group 1
Objects of the highest importance for the movement of pilgrims and for the religious and cultural
tourism on the proposed trail. They represent a high or very high historical value. They have
their own accommodation base or a base in the immediate vicinity. Objects are available of both
tourism and communication route. In the assessing the valuation received more than 14 points.
Sacred objects included within the group 1:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Szczecin – Cathedral of St. James the Apostle (ZS01_01_01)
Szczecin – Sanctuary of Virgin of Fatima (ZS01_01_02)
Stepnica – St. Jack church (ZGL01_09_01)
Kamień Pomorski – Concathedral of St. John the Baptist (ZKA01_01_01)
Trzebiatów – Motherhood of St. Mary church (ZGY01_01_01)
Kołobrzeg –Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
(ZKL01_01_01)
7. Iwięcino – St. Mary – the Queen of Poland church (ZKO01_05_01)
8. Krąg – Anunciation church (ZKO01_16_01)
9. Polanów – Polanów’s Holy Mountain (ZKO01_17_01)
10. Koszalin – Cathedral of Immaculate Conception (ZK01_01_01)
11. Koszalin – Góra Chełmska - Sanctuary (ZK01_01_05)
12. Sławno – Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (ZSL01_01_01)
13. Darłowo – Virgin Mary of Częstochowa church (ZSL01_04_01)
14. Darłowo – St. Gertrude church (ZSL01_04_02)
Group 2
Objects gathering around themselves the religious life of the village or region. They are
of medium importance to the movement of pilgrims - if any. As station churches on the
pilgrimage route they represent a great historical value, most often it is important for
the region and the local community. They have an accommodation base in close
proximity and it is partly accessible for tourists. In assessing the valuation received
points in two ranges: 11-12 points (objects more significant) and 8-10 points (objects of
lesser importance).
Sacred objects included within the group 2:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Szczecin – church of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (ZS01_01_03)
Goleniów – St. Catherine church (ZGL01_01_01)
Goleniów –St. George church (ZGL01_01_02)
Krępsko – St. Mary – the Queen of Poland church (ZGL01_05_01)
Miękowo – Trinity church (ZGL01_06_01)
Rurzyca – Immaculate Conception church (ZGL01_07_01)
Wierzchosław – St. Stanislaw church (ZGL01_10_01)
8. Załom – church of Transfiguration of Jesus (ZGL01_11_01)
9. Żarnowo – Christ the King church (ZGL01_12_01)
10. Dargobądz – Virgin Mary of Częstochowa church (ZKA01_02_01)
11. Jarszewo – Virgin Mary birth church (ZKA01_05_01)
12. Koniewo – Virgin Mary of Częstochowa church (ZKA01_006_01)
13. Lubin – Virgin Mary of Jasna Góra church (ZKA01_08_01)
14. Mierzęcin – Immaculate Conception church (ZKA01_09_01)
15. Międzyzdroje – St. Peter the Apostle church(ZKA01_11_01)
16. Trzebieszewo – Immaculate Conception church (ZKA01_16_01)
17. Wolin – St. Nikolaus church (ZKA01_19_01)
18. Wolin – St. Stanislaw church (ZKA01_19_02)
19. Świerzno – Trynity church (ZKA01_20_01)
20. Świnoujście – Christ the King church (ZSW01_01_01)
21. Świnoujście – church of blessed Michał Kozal (ZSW01_01_03)
22. Świnoujście-Przytór – Most Sacred Heart of Jesus church (ZSW01_01_04
23. Cerkwica – Most Sacred Heart of Jesus church (ZGY01_03_01)
24. Ciećmierz – Anunciation church (ZGY01_04_01)
25. Gosław – Christ the King church (ZGY01_05_01)
26. Kłodkowo – St. Mary – the Queen of the World church (ZGY01_07_01)
27. Mrzeżyno – St. Peter and Paul church (ZGY01_08_01)
28. Roby – Virgin Mary Holy Heart church (ZGY01_09_01)
29. Trzebusz – St. Joseph church (ZGY01_11_01)
30. Kołobrzeg – St. Martin church (ZKL01_01_02)
31. Budzistowo – church of St. John the Baptist (ZKL01_02_01)
32. Dźwirzyno –church of Virgin Mary Healing of the Sick (ZKL01_05_01)
33. Podczele – St. Michael church (ZKL01_08_01)
34. Rusowo – Virgin Mary of Rosary church (ZKL01_09_01)
35. Sarbia – church of St. John the Baptist (ZKL01_10_01)
36. Ustronie Morskie –Feast of the Cross church (ZKL01_11_01)
37. Biesiekierz – Christ the King church (ZKO01_01_01)
38. Łekno – church of St. John the Baptist (ZKO01_07_01)
39. Osieki – St. Anthony church (ZKO01_08_01)
40. Parnowo – Holy Family church (ZKO01_09_01)
41. Sianów – church of Stanislaw Kostka (ZKO01_10_01)
42. Sucha Koszalińska – Feast of the Cross church (ZKO01_13_01)
43. Śmiechów – St. Mary – the Queen of Poland church (ZKO01_14_01)
44. Polanów – Feast of the Cross church (ZKO01_17_02)
45. Koszalin – St. Joseph church (ZK01_01_02)
46. Koszalin – Feast of the Cross church (ZK01_01_03)
47. Koszalin – Holy Spirit church (ZK01_01_04)
48. Sławno – St. Anthony church (ZSL01_01_02)
49. Bukowo Morskie – Most Sacred Heart of Jesus church (ZSL01_02_01)
50. Cisowo – church of Stanislaw Kostka (ZSL01_03_01)
51. Dąbki – Virgin Mary of Carmel church (ZSL01_05_01)
52. Dobiesław – Virgin Mary of Czestochowa church (ZSL01_06_01)
53. Krupy – Virgin Mary of Ostra Brama church (ZSL01_08_01)
54. Pieszcz – Feast of the Cross church (ZSL01_10_01)
55. Sławsko – St. Peter and Paul church (ZSL01_11_01)
56. Stary Jarosław – Feast of the Cross church (ZSL01_13_01)
Group 3
Objects of local importance, arising mostly in the past 100-150 years. They have little
relevance for the movement of pilgrims and are often poorly accessible both in terms of
tourism and transportation. In assessing the valuation received points in two ranges: 6-7
points (objects of greater sense) and 3-5 points (objects of lower importance).
Sacred objects included within the group 3:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Borzysławiec – St. Peter and Paul church (ZGL01_02_01)
Kliniska Wielkie – church of blessed Michał Kozal (ZGL01_03_01)
Komarowo – church of Transfiguration of Jesus (ZGL01_04_01)
Rzystnowo – church of Stanislaw Kostka (ZGL01_08_01)
Kamień Pomorski – church of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
(ZKA01_01_02)
6. Kamień Pomorski – St. Nikolaus church (ZKA01_01_03)
7. Sibin – Christ the King church (ZKA01_12_01)
8. Skoszewo – Virgin Mary of Licheń church (ZKA01_13_01)
9. Wapnica – Divine Mercy church (ZKA01_15_01)
10. Bieczyno – Immaculate Conception church (ZGY01_02_01)
11. Karnice – church of Stanislaw Kostka (ZGY01_06_01)
12. Sadlno – Virgin Mary of Częstochowa church (ZGY01_10_01)
13. Chomętowo – Holy Family church (ZGY01_12_01)
14. Karcino – Feast of the Cross church (ZKL01_06_01)
15. Korzystno – Christ the King church (ZKL01_07_01)
16. Dobrzyca – Trinity church (ZKO01_04_01)
17. Stare Bielice – St. Stanislaw church (ZKO01_12_01)
18. Wierzchomino – St. Peter and Paul church (ZKO01_15_01)
19. Staniewice – St. Michael church (ZSL01_12_01)
Availability of special facilities for disabled people, cyclists and horse tourists
The evaluation of all the sacred objects was based on the four categories. Additionally, each of
these objects has been analyzed in terms of availability of special infrastructure for tourists with
disabilities and cycling and horse riding tourists. Its presence or absence did not affect the
overall assessment of the significance of the importance of the proposed route, but helps in
paving the pilgrim route for this type of travellers. The observed results are presented on
separate maps (maps 5, 6 and 7).
Accessibility for the disabled people varies widely (Map 5). Only few objects are
professionally and fully adapted to accept this type of tourists. These are usually large churches,
cathedrals and major churches in large cities, as well most recently built churches. In the other
churches there are temporarily placed ramps for wheelchairs or additional entrances opened
only when necessary. The rest of the objects, especially the old small churches, has an entrance
in the form of stairs, that cannot be overcome by people with disabilities.
In several places there can be found a special infrastructure for bike tourists (Map 6).
There are bicycle racks and places in the churchyard (for example, in the rectory), where
pilgrims can easily leave their bike at night. Generally, at each of the analyzed objects, there are
large squares that can be used as staging a bike, but not always the object has a secure closure.
The most difficult situation is with horse tourism infrastructure. Specialized equipment
can only be found in studs. There are several places of such facilities and their spatial
distribution is shown on map 7.