La visite du patrimoine national : Entre politique et tourisme

Abstract

Visiting historic heritage monuments is a social practice located by the majority of Polish visitors somewhere between the family diversion and patriotic duty. Two most important national heritage monuments, namely royal castles of Warsaw and Krakow, had been established as heritage monuments already in 19th and early 20th century and since then underwent substantial conservation, renovation and reconstruction with a clear aim of making them the embodiment of national identity narrative. During the fieldwork at these two main national historic monuments of Poland I could observe visiting strategies designed by the experts to suit the national narrative transmitting messages about the Golden Age of Poland (Krakow) and the suffering and unity of the nation (Warsaw). However, the monument is perceived by the visitors through their individual tactics which may differ substantially. The role of a guide who actually works as a mediator adapting strategies to the visitors' tactical needs is important although undervalued. What counts for a visitor is the experience of authenticity which is provided in different ways during the visit of each of the two monuments.