Typology of medieval urban layouts in historic Lesser Poland and their protection

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper presents a study of the typology of medieval urban layouts in historical Lesser Poland in the context of their conservation requirements. It describes identified urban layouts in medieval Lesser Poland, namely the nine-square model, the turbine, the pseudo-oval (Silesian), and the orthogonal model enclosed within an oval or a circle. An analysis of current conservation measures, presented through the exazmple of ten well-preserved historic towns in former Lesser Poland, coupled with the authors’ research findings, indicate the necessity of improving the protection of historic urban layouts. An amendment to monument protection law is proposed so as to include the need to establish an additional form of conservation, namely a historic town list or register. Furthermore, the authors note that a more system-based heritage site management is required, in accordance with international recommendations by the ICOMOS and UNESCO e.g. HUL.