Acoustic characteristics of UNESCO listed wooden churches in Southern Poland: A comparative study between Orthodox and Catholic churches

Abstract

The article provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of the acoustics of wooden Catholic and Orthodox churches in Poland, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Using data collected as part of the “Multisensory UNESCO” digitalization project, evaluation of acoustic parameters such as reverberation time, speech and music clarity and others in each church was provided. The findings reveal that Catholic churches exhibit more acoustic diversity than Orthodox ones, and the acoustic characteristics of these spaces reflect not only their physical attributes but also their cultural and liturgical contexts. The research underscores the importance of preserving these unique acoustic environments, which contribute significantly to the historical and cultural value of these churches.