This book examines key themes for the management of historic urban centres within a representative sample of centres in different European countries. The twelve historic centres that have been chosen are spread throughout Europe. They are diverse in character and the range includes small towns, cities and urban centres within cities. Some have been designated by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites or Cities, whilst others have recognition, or have been proposed as European Cities of Culture. The centres have all faced different problems and a variety of approaches have been utilised which are also examined.

For each of the historic centres in the book the authors broadly cover a number of common themes: the policy and planning framework; management and regeneration action; environmental management; tourism and heritage management; and sustainability.