Manors in Upper Orawa: those belonging to the Moniak family in Zubrzyca Górna, to the Wilczek family in Podwilk, the Bukowiński family in Bukowina-Podszkle and to the Divéky family in Podwilk were probably centres of cultural life from the very beginning and their inhabitants were the first intellectuals in the region. The manors in Orawa were the first places from which children were sent to study in Hungarian cities. Most popular studies for the sons of Orawa were: law, economy, farming or forestry. The thorough education received by the representatives of the nobility in Orawa not only facilitated their social and professional advancement but also prepared them to become administrators of family estates, guardians and supervisors, as well as intellectual authorities for the local population. It was in many ways thanks to their foresight and care for the preservation of the region's identity that the cultural heritage of Orava has survived to our times.