The study examines the challenges and opportunities of integrating archaeological heritage into the urban landscape of multi-layered historic cities, focusing on Tarsus, Türkiye. The city, with a history spanning from the Neolithic to the Roman period, contains significant archaeological remains that are increasingly threatened by urban development. The study emphasizes the potential of urban archaeology as a strategic tool to enhance public spaces quality and preserve cultural identity. It discusses the complexities of managing archaeological sites within legal frameworks, highlighting tensions between heritage conservation and urban growth. Specific case such as the Roman Road illustrate the difficulties in balancing preservation with urban functionality and mobility. The paper advocates for adaptive, interdisciplinary approaches to heritage management, proposing strategies such as integrating archaeological features into urban planning, creating pedestrian networks, and implementing cross-subsidy mechanisms to reconcile development pressures with conservation needs. The ultimate goal is to promote a sustainable, dynamic relationship between heritage and modern urban life, ensuring that archaeological values are preserved as integral elements of the urban environment.