The Memory of the World Register
Nominated Documentary Heritage

 
Poland  
"Gentry Democracy" - legal documents pertaining to the political system of Poland, the 16th - 17th centuries  
The nominated documents are the most important legal acts which defined the political system of Poland and gave all citizens the right to take political decisions. The documents described the responsibilities of the monarch and guaranteed freedom of religion to a degree unheard of in Europe at the time. When the political system proved to be ineffective legislators managed to join their efforts and enact Europe's first and world's second constitution (after the American one). 
 

Behem’s Codex, 1501-1506 (with 18th century additions) - A picture of daily urban life
  
 
 
  Reading Room
Full nomination form
About the Memory of the World Programme 

Properties in Poland  included in the World Heritage List

1978 Historic Centre of Cracow
1978 Wieliczka Salt Mines
1979 Auschwitz Concentration Camp
1980 Historic Centre of Warsaw
1992 Old City of Zamosc
 
 

 
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11 March 1998