Cultural Heritage as a Potential for Connecting Settlements along the Danube River - Case Study

Abstract

The aim of the research is to identify potential that cultural heritage (both tangible and intangible) has on the connection of different settlements and countries along the Danube River. It is considered that the same historic and cultural backgrounds are not always necessary to develop great connections among people and to provide visitors to recognize local values of different locations. Recognition and preservation of cultural heritage can be generating elements to connect different places and cultures in a unique framework that can include tourist attractiveness and distinctiveness. With improvements of the visibility of cultural heritage and creation of comprehensive spatial and cultural network, connection of communities along the river Danube could bring benefit not just on local level, but also to the whole region.