Knowing to protect: cultures and preservation of the architectural heritage in two lusophone cities

Abstract

This article aims to identify and analyze issues about the preservation of the architectural heritage in the cities of Salvador and Lisbon, through the influences of architectural and legislative dimensions. For this, we used the literature review and documentary research using content analysis. The results revealed similarities and differences within both cities. The conclusions show similarities between architectures and protection law in both countries, with few significant differences. However, we noticed a discrepancy between the protection instruments and also human and material resources, undertaken to safeguard the protected places. These characteristics, combined with other elements, show a greater concern about heritage in Lisbon, if compared to Salvador, indicating different relationships of people with their urban spaces and, ultimately, with their history. It opens a field of discussions about heritage, which is interdisciplinary, since the background involved is legal, but also historical and cultural.