Contextuality is a condition for preserving the uniqueness of a historical city

The definition of contextuality is given. The material and non-material components of the urban context are highlighted. The factors of influence on its formation and development have been determined. It was found that the formed certain architectural and urban planning context, which determines the unrepeatability of the city, is the result of the total impact on the internal features and properties of existing buildings and open urban space the external natural, historical-cultural, historical-political, national, religious and socio-economic, and also information technology and legal factors throughout the entire period of the city’s existence. The parameters are highlighted as defining characteristics of the “place”, according to which it is proposed to evaluate the “sustainability” of the historically established architectural and urban planning context. It is assessed as the preservation and harmonious development of these defining characteristics in eddition with modern new elements and connections. It is important for possible restoration-reconstructive transformations in order to preserve context’s uniqueness, ensure sustainable continuity and increase attractiveness through the activation of existing historical accumulations and their addition with modern new ones.