How can we convert historic cities into resilient, sustainable, and creative cities? European cities and Eurocities members have been pioneers in turning their local cultural heritage into strong assets, be it tangible cultural heritage, such as buildings, monuments and public spaces, or intangible cultural heritage such as songs, practices and stories. Cultural heritage is not considered solely as a relic of the past, but something naturally connected to contemporary urban issues such as governance, social innovation, environment sustainability, etc., and a powerful engine of transformation for cities.

In a new book (you can order a physical copy here) for policy makers, urban practitioners and cultural heritage lovers, Eurocities gathered insights, lessons and experiences from the H2020 ROCK project, in which Eurocities and ten of its member cities were partners alongside universities, NGOs and private companies. From 2017 to 2020, ROCK demonstrated how, in European cities, cultural and historic city centres can become laboratories for testing new models of urban regeneration, sustainable development and economic and social growth, and thus lead the urban transition.

You will discover how cities have designed new approaches to bridge the gap between conservation and preservation of cultural heritage and contemporary urban issues. From sustainable adaptive reuse of cultural heritage, to new governance models, to city branding, we take you on a journey through a multifaceted urban cultural heritage and how cities can work on it with citizens and for a brighter urban future. Access the book online here, or order a physical copy here.