Abstract
The presented article is aimed at presenting a few selected examples of small European historic towns whose properly protected cultural heritage considerably contributes to their development in the 21st century. The issue of protection and revalorisation of Polish towns, particularly the smaller ones, is relevant nowadays. Historic heritage seems to be a burden for local authorities and residents because very often they are not aware of how it could contribute to the multidirectional development of their towns. The local inhabitants and authorities of small historic towns in Western European countries respect their heritage much more than Poles, as they associate it with the idea of sustainable development, “place specificity”, and finally, with an opportunity for development, treating cultural heritage as a basis for economic progress and building new and modern infrastructure. It is worth drawing attention here, that sustainable development denotes changing the reality in such a way that the development would optimally satisfy the needs of modern man, without violating the needs of future generations. The testimony to the potential of the cultural heritage of historic towns in the context of their modern development is borne by the towns whose authorities and inhabitants were able to utilise their past for building their future. As examples one could name here French (e.g. Auxerre, Provins,) or German towns (e.g. Heppenheim, Lorsch).
Highlights
Cultural heritage constitutes an important factor in the life of every community, and in the process of its further development
A good example for Polish historic towns can be set by the historic towns in Western European countries, whose authorities and residents seem to better understand and perceive the value and the opportunities offered by their heritage, treating their cultural heritage as a basis for economic development and building new and modern infrastructure
In the conclusion to this article attention should be drawn to the fact that the abovementioned examples of historic towns from Western Europe are characterised by well-preserved and properly protected cultural heritage
Summary
Cultural heritage constitutes an important factor in the life of every community, and in the process of its further development. It should be noted, that during the last several decades, numerous documents were prepared and approved, which has led to strengthening protection and popularising the cultural heritage both on a national level and within international cooperation. Protecting cultural heritage in large European cities, including those in Poland, in most cases is properly managed and meticulously monitored by the appropriate services These cities are generally able to make use of their historic potential for multi-directional development. A good example for Polish historic towns can be set by the historic towns in Western European countries, whose authorities and residents seem to better understand and perceive the value and the opportunities offered by their heritage, treating their cultural heritage as a basis for economic development and building new and modern infrastructure
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