 Its old-world look was further protected towards the end of the century by "The Friends of Svaneke" who prevented inappropriate renovation work.Svaneke owes its current prosperity to tourism, thanks to the well-preserved town centre which earned it the European Architectural Heritage Gold Medal in 1975.In particular, the quaint red-roofed, yellow lime-washed, half-timbered houses lining the narrow streets which wind down to the harbour and up to the church are a special attraction.