Factual Problems of Detection, Fixing, and Keeping Large Territorial Objects of Historial and Cultural Heritage

Detection of a certain strictly located volumetric-spatial and planning integrity characterized as a historical settlement or a landmark on the territory of a modern city or town is a serious problem. Its essence lies in the vagueness of the such concepts as 'historical settlement' and 'landmark', mentioned in the currently existing federal law "On the Objects of Cultural Heritage (Monuments of History and Culture) of the Peoples of the Russian Federation" No. 73-FZ (Federal Law) of June 25, 2002. The uncertainty and ambiguity of terms of 'the object of protection' of historical settlement and various landmarks also make the situation more complicated, and in some cases clear localization of such unique objects as 'historical settlement' and 'landmark' is impossible. The article presents a problem of localization and volumetric-spatial and planning integrity of historical settlements and landmarks. The author argues that the basic fact for identification of a historical settlement on the territory of a contemporary city or town is the existence of historical milieu – even in the case when any objects of cultural heritage are absent. It is necessary to correct the terms and formulas of the law on such objects because of recognition of the intangible reality of previous epochs materialized as the most valuable asset.