ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the development of the inner city in East Central European cities, their pre-conditions rooted in the period of state socialism and the opportunities and obstacles to their development during the period of post-socialist transition. It explains the socio-spatial structures of a particular inner city, the historical perspective is indispensable. A 'zone in transition' surrounding the central business district (CBD) contains old factory complexes, interspersed with areas of deteriorating tenement neighbourhoods. The totalitarian system which was imposed on the countries changed the social and economic conditions of development, strongly influencing the growth trajectories of cities. Inner cities are the scene of some of the most spectacular revitalization investments, which often make the particular city known worldwide as an example of successful urban policy. The huge housing crisis in the immediate post-Second World War period meant socialist governments were looking for different, quite often provisional, solutions.
