Urban regeneration as an instrument of identity preservation: a case study of Trebinje s Krs district

Established in the first half of the 18th century, the district of Krs in Trebinje was the first settlement to grow up outside the town walls. It grew up spontaneously in response to the local natural environment and under a mixture of Mediterranean and Oriental influences. Since the second half of the 20th century, the district has faced dilapidation, a process that has not been countered yet, despite its recognised value as a cultural asset and the quality of its ambience.In this paper the present state of the district of Krs is analysed, along with the possibility of its adequate protection relative to the applicable spatial and town plans, town planning ordinance and international charters on the protection of cultural and natural heritage sites. Also considered is the formulation of a special strategy that would help regenerating the area under consideration as well as safeguard its intangible cultural heritage and genius loci.