Peculiarities of preservation, protection and restoration of the urban heritage (on the example of small towns in Western Ukraine)

The study examines historically valuable urban planning development objects in Western Ukraine that emerged in the period of the 17th–18th centuries. The main peculiarities of these valuable urban development complexes are their unique spatial-planning elements, such as defence systems, sacred, defensive and residential complexes. Currently, the state of preservation of these elements is often unsatisfactory and requires protection and conservation. Most of these objects are ruined or partially destroyed, and some have been lost and require complete restoration. The study offers a solution to the problem of preserving urban heritage sites from the 17th–18th centuries by developing a “Complex of measures aimed at preservation, protection and restoration of the historical environment of valuable urban heritage objects”. The article examines in detail the historical-architectural development of the historic towns of Yezupil, Kalush and Okopy of the Holy Trinity. It explores the distinctive peculiarities of the historical planning layout of these towns, analyses their current condition and assesses the degree of preservation of elements of these valuable historical urban complexes. As a result of the research, concepts for Programmes for the preservation, regeneration and revitalisation of the selected historic towns have been developed.