Perception of Authenticity of a UNESCO Heritage Site: New Infill Design and Integrity Protection in the Old Town of Ohrid, North Macedonia

Aleksandar Milojković, Uroš Antić, Ana Stanojević (), Ljiljana Jevremović, Marko Nikolić, Isidora Đorđević and Milan Brzaković
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Aleksandar Milojković: Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Niš, Aleksandra Medvedeva 14, 18000 Niš, Serbia
Uroš Antić: Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Niš, Aleksandra Medvedeva 14, 18000 Niš, Serbia
Ana Stanojević: Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Niš, Aleksandra Medvedeva 14, 18000 Niš, Serbia
Ljiljana Jevremović: Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Niš, Aleksandra Medvedeva 14, 18000 Niš, Serbia
Marko Nikolić: Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Niš, Aleksandra Medvedeva 14, 18000 Niš, Serbia
Isidora Đorđević: Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Niš, Aleksandra Medvedeva 14, 18000 Niš, Serbia
Milan Brzaković: Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Niš, Aleksandra Medvedeva 14, 18000 Niš, Serbia

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 5, 1-29

Abstract: The UNESCO world heritage site of the old town of Ohrid represents a unique spatial and historical area of the Balkan peninsula. Over time, it has changed due to new construction caused by social challenges and mass tourism, damaging its authentic value. This research examines the issue of new infill design from the perspective of preserving the authenticity of Ohrid’s built heritage. Some new additions have arisen in the period of absence and/or inadequate application of the legislative protective framework, while others reflect a historical replication approach encouraged by official construction guidelines. The study aims to verify whether this legally accepted approach suits the area. The research relies on field study and questionnaire survey analysis regarding the perception of authenticity among the local community, non-Ohrid residents, and architecture and urban planning experts. The field study shows that fostering historical replication has led to low-quality imitations of inherited aesthetics. This trend prevents modern reflection of contemporary architectural design and has created fake historical continuity. The survey results indicate a different opinion on this issue, with variations based on profession and living place. The research outcomes create an opportunity for further education within the local community and dialogue regarding preserving Ohrid’s heritage.

Keywords: conservation; cultural preservation; authenticity of built heritage; case study of the old town of Ohrid (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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