The law strengthens the preservation of the historical heritage of the old town of Kuldiga
A new law has been proposed in Latvia to enhance the protection and preservation of both tangible and intangible cultural heritage in the old town of Kuldiga, which was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2023.
The authors of the proposed law highlight its purpose as strengthening the protection and preservation of both material and immaterial cultural heritage in the old town of Kuldiga. The old town was included in the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2023, which emphasizes its global significance. The legislation aims to establish a specific management and monitoring system for the historical center of Kuldiga to foster collaboration among the state, municipality, and society in the conservation of cultural heritage.
Under the new law, the area defined for the old town of Kuldiga and its protection zone spans 173.18 hectares. To safeguard the historical environment within this territory, restrictions will be imposed on construction and renovation of buildings. Furthermore, starting from 2029, properties located in the old town will be required to obtain insurance. This provision aims to further secure the integrity of the cultural heritage and ensure that the historical character of the site is maintained.
Additionally, the law mandates that these properties reflect their special status as cultural monuments in the land registry. The legislation also expands the rights of the Kuldiga municipality regarding property issues, enabling them to engage more actively in matters related to real estate within this historic area. This comprehensive approach underscores the commitment of Latvian lawmakers to preserve the unique cultural identity and heritage of Kuldiga, which holds significance not only nationally but also internationally due to its UNESCO designation.