Progress can’t be understood as a way to forget past times, as all our

present and future is based on what we have been and how we have
developed as a society.
Old buildings were made to withstand the test of time. They were built
with valuable materials and solid structures, and they should be preserved
as a symbol of identity of the cities, as they have remained watching
different moments on history, acquiring their own identity and distinctive
character, keeping their magesty given by their typical facades, decorative
features or classic materials of one or other artistic trend or cultural
influence, and this identity gives citicens a sense of belonging and
connection with their past.
In addition, historic buildings are one of the principal tourist attractions,
with means important revenues for big cities as Atenas, Roma or Berlin or
even the biggest source of incomes in countries like Egypt, earning 13
billion dolars in 2019. I can’t imagine anyone willing to destroy the
Partenon, the Coliseum or the Pyramids to build a new trade center, for
instance.
Protecting old or historic buildings is vital to preserve cities’ cultural and
aesthetic legacy. Old buildings are witnesses to the history of the cities
and they contribute to give value and character to places where people
feel emotionally attached, being a symbol of their past.