EN
The author of the article tackles the task of perceiving the phenomenon of the qualities of a historical monument in a perspective different from the commonly accepted one, namely, a philosophical or, more precisely, a phenomenological viewpoint. This is why the point of departure for his reflections is a brief characteristic of phenomenology not so much as a research domain as a research method. The typical features of the latter include experiencing the object, which is the focus of interest, and constructing such theoretical references that will reveal the essence of the object. In our case, we are concerned with the historical monument as such. In Polish, in contrast to other languages, the term itself suggests a certain ontological reference: za-byt-ek – byt corresponds to the English ”being”. By following this line of thought, the author draws attention to the prime enemy of the ”being” properties of the monument, i.e. time. The fundamental mission of the conservator of monuments appears to be a sui generis revolt aimed against the erosion caused by the passage of time and the loss of the architectural, artistic and aesthetic objects mandatory for endowing human life with a certain superior quality. While pursuing this mission it is useful to conceive the monument as multi-strata, with a base composed of construction material and other substances, and further strata possessing the nature of what in the phenomenological interpretation is known as an ”intentional” structure, one that grants meaning to the material construction. Further on, the author demonstrates upon concrete examples how whole systems of intentional reference are constituted on a material basis, striving towards assorted values or meanings. Upon certain occasions, the latter two compete, as in the case of ”Wawel according to Długosz” and ”Wawel according to Wyspiański”. Such situations make us aware of the necessity of an active and dynamic role of the conservator as a mediator, an arbiter and an author of a synthesis.