Development of Small Heritage Towns: Architectural Revitalization of Small Heritage Centers in South-east Europe

Abstract

Small towns are important, a significant part of the population of Europe lives in them, they face considerable challenges in developing. Small heritage towns have enormous potentials, not necessarily and solely as a tourist attraction, but as a network of settlements and an important element of service to hinterland and the development of the region. Small towns play a significant role in providing social services to surrounding rural areas and are a very important part of developmental stability and the progress of the wider environment, they also contribute significantly to the development of local identities, resilience, and sense of belonging. Almost all of them are located in cultural historic and natural context and are consistent of protected cultural historic properties and natural areas. Protection of historic properties and built heritage in small heritage towns is a specific challenge for development and potential for improvement and reuse of buildings. Strong policies and strategies with regeneration action can provide equilibrium in protection of cultural historic and natural heritage with appropriate development. Improving the attractiveness and competences of small heritage towns within the same time supporting the authentic and resilient local community is the main goal. Focus is on development and authenticity showcase that is properly and adequately presented in the form of positive image. Negatives of this authenticity are discussed in the form of “recreational simulacra” and “replicas of landmarks” towns (also known as ethnic villages). Challenges of developing small heritage towns as enormous potentials is presented, as they play a significant role in providing social services to surrounding rural areas and are a very important part of developmental stability and the progress of the wider environment (hinterland).