CONSERVATION AND REVITALISATION OF URBAN HERITAGE. CASE OF REHOVA AND BOROVA HISTORICAL CENTRES (original) (raw)

2020, IFAU19 - 3rd International Forum for Architecture and Urbanism. Modernisation and Globalization: Challenges and opportunities in architecture, urbanism, cultural heritage. Paper proceedings book

The material and spiritual culture inherited for generations in rural settlements in Albania is an expression of the lifestyles developed by the respective communities. This legacy enables the passing on to future generations of value systems, beliefs, traditions, and lifestyles over the years. The cultural heritage consists of many historical rural settlements, scattered in all parts of the country. Many of these historical centres, which because of abandonment over the years are under the pressure of depreciation and destruction of human and nature, can be used to develop cultural tourism as a significant economic resource. This paper aims to present cultural heritage preservation as an essential measure for sustainable development and highlight historic rural centres' revitalisation as a possible tourism development strategy. The concept of reviving historic centres has been emphasised, including the rehabilitation of the historic village centre, the restoration of significant cultural and religious buildings, the improvement of infrastructure, the adaptive reuse of old historic buildings with new functions and the possibility of developing agritourism. The analysis of two case studies of Rehova and Borova located in the south-east of Albania focuses on preserving historical values of cultural heritage. Special attention is paid to preserving the urban and architectural heritage of the villages of Rehova and Borova as part of 100 village's programme, which has a typical and traditional historical landscape. It is concluded that cultural heritage is an essential and potential element of a country sustainable, economic, social, cultural, and touristic development. A better result can be provided by developing and piloting sustainable tourism models and incorporating local characteristics into the tourism value chain.