International Conference: “FORTRESSES: ANEW. FORTRESS: REUSED. Heritage – Community – Tourism”

Historic fortifications are not merely historical landmarks; they are spaces capable of acquiring new meanings and functions within modern cities. Their potential regarding residents' needs, the development of sustainable tourism, and the fostering of local identity will be the focus of the international conference "FORTRESSES: RENEWED. FORTRESS: REUSED. Heritage – Community – Tourism," taking place on September 24th, 2026, at the Museum of the Scouting Movement / Museum of Krakow (Fort 52a Jugowice), located at 28 Forteczna Street in Krakow.

The event will provide a forum for discussing the contemporary significance of historic defensive structures and the possibilities for their adaptive reuse. Participants will include experts, representatives of local government, cultural institutions, the academic community, and organizations dedicated to the preservation and promotion of fortification heritage. Attendees will have the opportunity to exchange experiences, explore inspiring examples of the revitalization and reuse of fortifications from Poland and abroad, and collectively reflect on their future. Key topics of discussion will include the importance of these sites for residents and local communities, the development of sustainable tourism, the building of local identity, and the evolution of modern cities.

The conference will serve as a platform not only for showcasing best practices but also for exchanging perspectives and seeking answers to the question of how to preserve the historical value of fortifications while simultaneously assigning them new functions that meet contemporary needs.