Rep. n° 17/2025

Lisbon, 11 August 2025. Servare et Manere is not just a Tree of Peace initiative, we also promote cultural and historical monuments and heritage in Slovakia, including their restoration and reconstruction. During its history, our association has participated in several international projects and is also involved in publishing activities. There are several roadside chapels – the Wayside Shrines (Portuguese “Alminhas”) in the town of Žilina, some of which have disappeared, others have been reconstructed and some require restoration. We decided to save one of these dilapidated small ecclesiastical structures.

We identified the Wayside Shrine along the walking route to the University of Žilina. The structure was acquired by the association. Historical research is complete, we are working on the implementation project. The restored building will also include a replica of the original statue of the Virgin Mary, which disappeared in recent decades and will probably never be found again. However, during the research, we came across the original layers of plaster and found historical paintings! We look forward to their restoration!

In 2025, the project received the official Royal Honorary Patronage of His Royal Highness Dom Duarte, Duke of Braganza, Head of the Royal House of Portugal. It is a great honour and also a commitment to complete the reconstruction as quickly as possible.