Poland will receive 73 priceless Teutonic archives and a 13th‑century relic from Germany by December 1, announced Culture Minister Marta Cienkowska.
Polish Archives Return from Germany
Culture Minister Marta Cienkowska announced that priceless Teutonic archives and a sculpture will return to Poland from Germany. The shipment includes 73 documents, the oldest from 1215, and the head of St. Jacob, a 14th‑century sculptural fragment of exceptional cultural value.
New Restitution Applications Submitted
On Monday, 1 December, Polish representatives in Germany filed nine additional restitution requests. They cover the “Gaude Mater Polonia” manuscript, a 12th‑century medalion from the Gołuchowski collection, manuscripts of the Ordynacja Zamojska, journals of Józef Żeromski, and 15th‑century bells from Lesser Poland and Silesia.
Cienkowska noted that she received a guarantee of expedited processing from German Minister Wolfram Weimer.
Continuing Negotiations and Gratitude
The Ministry expressed profound thanks to the MKiDN restitution team and praised the long‑term work that culminated in the current agreements. Cienkowska also thanked Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski for their assistance in negotiations with Germany.
She highlighted that her ministry is currently handling about 200 restitution cases across 18 countries.
