Les églises en bois de la partie slovaque de la zone des Carpates, inscrites sur la Liste du patrimoine mondial comprennent deux églises catholiques romaines, trois protestantes et trois grecques orthodoxes construites entre le XVIème et le XVIIIème siècle. Ces édifices en bois sont un bon exemple d’une riche tradition locale d’architecture religieuse, marquée par la rencontre entre les cultures byzantine et latine. Les édifices présentent des différences typologiques dans leurs plans, leurs espaces intérieurs et leur apparence extérieure en fonction des différentes pratiques religieuses. Ils témoignent aussi du développement des courants artistiques et architecturaux pendant la période de construction ainsi que de leur interprétation et adaptation à un contexte géographique et culturel particulier. L’intérieur des églises est orné de peintures sur les murs et les plafonds et abrite des œuvres d’art qui enrichissent la valeur culturelle des biens.

Valeur universelle exceptionnelle en anglais

The wooden churches of the Slovak part of Carpathian Mountain Area, illustrate the coexistence of different religious faiths within a small territory of central Europe. The series of eight properties includes Roman Catholic, Protestant and Greek Orthodox churches that were built between the 16th and 18th centuries, most of them in quite isolated villages, using wood as the main material and traditional construction techniques. Within the framework of their common features, the churches exhibit some typological variations, in accordance with the correspondent faith, expressed in their plans, interior spaces and external appearance. The churches also bear testimony to the development of major architectural and artistic trends during the period of construction and its interpretation and adaptation to a specific geographical and cultural context. Interiors are decorated with wall and ceiling paintings and works of art that enrich the cultural significance of the properties. Criterion (iii): The wooden churches offer an outstanding testimony to the traditional religious architecture of the north-western Carpathians region and to the inter-ethnic and inter-cultural character of a relatively small territory where Latin and Byzantine cultures have met and overlapped. The Lutheran churches serve as an exceptional example of religious tolerance in Upper Hungary during the period of bloody anti-Habsburgs rebellions and uprisings over the 17th century. Criterion (iv): The wooden churches represent one of the best examples of European wooden religious architecture from the late Middle Ages to the end of 18th century. Their characteristic appearance, construction and at times rather naïve decoration derive from earlier local traditions, partially influenced by professional architectural concepts of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. Western (Latin) and eastern (Orthodox) building concepts are reflected in these wooden structures, creating specific religious architecture with diversified design, technical solutions and unique decorative expressions. The buildings themselves, in their current settings, present a state of completeness that ensures the condition of integrity. In the framework of the particular characteristics of their construction materials and techniques, the buildings are well preserved and the authenticity of design and form, materials and techniques, uses and functions is ensured. Legal protection is satisfactory since the properties enjoy maximum national and local levels of protection. The management structure and instruments are adequate, and the creation of a Management Group ensures the participation of all stakeholders.