Preserving the Architectural Heritage of Small Towns in Serbia – Vlasotince

<p align="justify"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Due to a lack of awareness regarding the significance of architectural heritage and the application of inadequate preservation approaches, small towns in Serbia, including Vlasotince, face the risk of losing their historical identity. The increasing threats to architectural heritage across the country underscore the urgent need for a well-defined strategy for the protection and revitalization of historic urban cores. Architectural heritage is a fundamental component of cultural heritage and plays a crucial role in shaping both spatial and cultural identity. Its sustainable conservation and adaptive reuse offer substantial economic potential, directly influencing spatial development and reinforcing local identity.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This paper aims to emphasize the significance of architectural heritage in small towns of southern Serbia, with Vlasotince as a case study, and to propose fundamental guidelines for the development of future planning documents grounded in heritage values.</span></span></p>