In November 1972 the United Nations signed the convention on the establishment of international system of the world cultural and natural heritage. The List of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage is run by International Protection Committee, a UNESCO agenda. The list specifies unique world architectural works, archaeological sites, geological formations and landscape sites. The inclusion of a monument or site requires meeting strict criteria and the provision of appropriate care. Amongst the several hundred sites from all over the world there are the following Polish monuments: Cracow’s Historic Centre, the Wieliczka Salt Mine (enrolled in 1978), the Białowieża Forest (1979), complexes of historical monuments in Warsaw (1980), Zamość (1992) and in Toruń (1997), the Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork (1997), the Mannerist Architectural and Park Landscape Complex and Pilgrimage Park in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska (2000), Churches of Peace in Jawor and Świdnica (2001), and Auschwitz and Birkenau concentration camps (1979). In July 2003 wooden churches in Binarowa, Dębno, Lipnica Murowana and Sękowa (Małopolska Voivodship) and in Bliznę and Haczów (Podkarpackie Voivodship) were enrolled. In this issue we present the Lipnica church: other churches will be presented in future issues.
St Sebastian church in Strzelce Wielkie lies on the trail of Małopolska wooden architecture (Brzesko poviat). It dates back to 1785 and was extended in the previous mid-century. Its acoustics have been researched by the Department of Mechanics and Vibroacoustics of the Steel and Mining Academy. The authors describe the measurement equipment and study methods as an important aspect of design, construction and modernisation of this type of buildings. The church is famous for its excellent acoustics during masses and due to its conditions favourable to church music. It also boasts the best speech clarity ratio.