The Fortifications of the “Kraków Fortress” as Examples of the Long-Term Process of Revitalization of Degraded Areas in the Context of Diversified Sources of Financing

Wojciech Drozd and Marcin Kowalik ()
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Wojciech Drozd: Division of Management in Civil Engineering, Cracow University of Technology, 31-155 Kraków, Poland
Marcin Kowalik: Faculty of Civil Engineering and Resource Management, AGH University of Kraków, 30-059 Kraków, Poland

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 14, 1-20

Abstract: This article analyzes the revitalization process of the Kraków Fortress in the context of the amendment to the Revitalization Act of 29 July 2024, focusing on the legal, financial, social, and environmental effects of these changes. The aim of the work is to assess how the new regulations have affected the effectiveness of the revitalization of historic military facilities and the financial and participatory mechanisms that have enabled their effective implementation. The authors adopted an interdisciplinary approach, combining legal, urban, conservation, and social analysis, and applied the case study method of five forts: 52 “Borek”, 52a “Jugowice”, 2 “Kościuszko”, 49 “Krzesławice”, and 31 “Św. Benedict”. The selection of cases was based on different stages of implementation, financing models, and social functions. The research showed that the amendment to the Act accelerated decision-making processes and enabled more flexible management of space and better acquisition of financial resources, including from the EU and SKOZK. The use of a mixed financing model (local, European, private funds) and strong social participation contributed to the durability and acceptance of the projects. The effects of revitalization include, among others, an increase in the number of visitors (from 20,000 to 75,000 per year), the creation of approx. 120 jobs, and a reduction of energy consumption by over 30%. Revitalized facilities today perform cultural, educational, and recreational functions, supporting social integration and the development of a local identity. The article indicates that the Kraków model can be a model for other cities with military heritage. It also draws attention to the need to develop nationwide standards for the adaptation of historic buildings and recommends further research on the socio-economic durability of revitalization projects.

Keywords: revitalization of military facilities; protection of cultural heritage; sustainable development; social participation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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