Beyond Defence: City Fortifications and Urban Identity in Levoča
Beyond Defence: City Fortifications and Urban Identity in Levoča

Summary/Abstract: Urban identity, or the genius loci of a town is a concept that has evolved throughout history and is determined by various aspects of the city and its architecture. On the example of the city walls in Levoča, this study discusses how city walls contribute to the creation and preservation of a distinctive urban identity of a historic town. The discussion consists primarily of three aspects – the function of city walls, their representation in visual sources and their conservation and reconstruction. On the example of the Košice Gate in Levoča, it will be argued that by conserving city fortifications, we are able to preserve the unique character and the identity of the town. Overall it will be argued that the Levoča fortification system, although not completely preserved, has contributed to the creation and preservation of the town’s unique identity.

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