VÚB Foundation launches public vote for monument restoration grants

The VÚB Foundation has launched the 17th edition of its ‘Poklady Slovenska’ (Treasures of Slovakia) project, inviting the public to vote for a historical monument to receive a 50,000 euro restoration grant. Six finalists, selected by a jury of experts based on their historical significance and current state of preservation, are competing for the funding.

Among the finalists are several notable sites, including a rare Baroque painted organ loft in the Church of St. Egidius in Hronský Benadik and a unique wooden pavilion known as a filagória in Santovka. In the Liptov region, the late Baroque altar and relief of Saint Catherine of Alexandria in the Church of Saint Catherine in Pribylina is also a contender. This altar, dating back to 1765, requires urgent repairs due to wood-boring insects, loose joints, and damaged gilding.

Public voting is open from September 7 until September 20, 2026, via the competition's website. The project aims to highlight endangered monuments and support professional restoration to preserve cultural heritage for future generations.