Seismic activity represents a continuous challenge for architectural heritage, especially in the Mediterranean area. The thesis deals with various aspects of the impact of earthquakes on architectural heritage, emphasizing historical and contemporary perspectives, and highlights the importance of integrating cultural heritage into disaster preparedness and response strategies. The first chapter provides an insight into the general overview of earthquakes and their risks to architectural heritage, as well as how high seismicity shaped the development of the architecture of ancient civilizations in the Mediterranean area. The second chapter investigates the causes of the deterioration of architectural heritage in the context of earthquakes, emphasizing the complexity of heritage preservation in conditions of rapid urbanisation and increasing risks of natural disasters. Despite technological advances in seismic engineering, numerous historic structures remain at risk, posing a challenge in balancing heritage preservation and public safety. The thesis provides a brief overview of the history of conservation and the development of international awareness of heritage preservation, as well as the appearance of publications dealing with heritage protection in the event of natural disasters and when and how this issue develops will be presented. The second part of the thesis follows events in our recent history, focusing on the earthquakes in Skopje, Dubrovnik, Zagreb, and Petrinja. Through the analysis of the consequences and the reconstruction process after these disasters, the thesis examines the different approaches of authorities and experts, the role of society and politics in post-earthquake reconstruction. The programmes of complete renovation of the historical centres of Zagreb and Petrinja and the challenges in the process of urban renovation are particularly highlighted. The thesis calls for the integration of cultural heritage in all phases of disaster preparation and response, putting emphasis on the importance of a multidisciplinary approach and education of the population about risks. Through the analysis of historical and contemporary perspectives, as well as the study of concrete practice in the renovation process, opportunities are opened for successfully facing future challenges and promoting the protection of cultural heritage.