EN
Upon the basis of the Taybet Zaman Hotel in the Kingdom of Jordan the article shows how it is possible to create an exceptional tourist site and salvage a historical monument important for local culture while respecting its substance. The hotel was established in the old centre of a Bedouin village leased from the inhabitants. Its adaptation for a new function was conducted by taking into consideration all the principles of conservation - maximum respect for the original matter, a distinction between the old and the new, the avoidance of glaring contrasts, and the preservation - albeit symbolic, in view of the introduced alterations - of the original residential-trade functions. Hotel Taybet Zaman is the pride and joy not only of its owners but also of the local community - it even contains a royal apartment used by the monarch and his family. The authors managed to create an exceptional site, different from the network hotels built at present. Taybet Zaman - its Arabian name means: 'the village of Taybet, just as centuries ago' - is already the second undertaking of the owners in which they used historical monuments as a base for creating tourist amenities. Skilful revitalisation carried out in accordance with the art of conservation and with consideration for the historical monument guaranteed success, also financial. The example of Taybet Zaman emphasises the importance of the adroit use of the assets of historical monuments in their adaptation to new functions. It also demonstrates how by cultivating local heritage and identity it possible to play a prominent cultural role by enabling monuments to cease being an unwanted and costly burden and to obtain profits from their original character.