Episode 5 of the "Digging Digital" podcast series released: Modern Management of Archaeological Parks
31/07/2026
The ARCHAEODIGIT project is pleased to announce the release of the fifth episode of its podcast series, "Digging Digital: the ARCHAEODIGIT Podcast." Developed within the framework of the project's training and communication activities, the series explores innovative approaches to the valorisation of archaeological heritage through digital skills, communication, sustainable management, and audience engagement.
Following the thematic structure of the ARCHAEODIGIT Joint Training Courses, the podcast series brings together experts and practitioners to discuss key topics related to the digital transformation and sustainable management of archaeology and cultural heritage. Through conversations and practical examples, the series provides valuable insights for cultural heritage professionals, tourism operators, researchers, students, public authorities, and anyone interested in making archaeological heritage more accessible, resilient, and sustainable.
Episode 5: Modern Management of Archaeological Parks
The fifth episode opens a new chapter of the training programme dedicated to the planning and modern management of archaeological parks, exploring how these sites can evolve beyond traditional conservation models to become dynamic cultural landscapes that generate environmental, social, and economic value.
Hosted by Anna Cingoli, Forum AIC Project Manager, the episode features Prof. Roberta Angelini from the University of Macerata (UNIMC), who challenges the widespread perception of archaeological sites as static monuments to be protected in isolation. Instead, she presents archaeological parks as living places that continuously interact with their surrounding landscapes, local communities, and territorial development processes.
During the conversation, Prof. Angelini explains why archaeological parks should no longer be considered simply as "open-air museums", but as integrated cultural landscapes whose management requires collaboration across multiple disciplines. Drawing on the principles introduced by the European Landscape Convention (2000), she illustrates the importance of bringing together archaeologists, architects, botanists, geologists, landscape specialists, and other professionals to develop comprehensive and sustainable management strategies.
The episode also highlights the fundamental role of stakeholder engagement in archaeological park planning. Prof. Angelini discusses how involving local communities, public institutions, businesses, tourism operators, and cultural organisations from the earliest stages of development helps create shared ownership of heritage, strengthens local identity, and transforms archaeological parks into drivers of sustainable territorial development.
Another key topic is the balance between accessibility and conservation. While archaeological parks should be open, inclusive, and attractive to visitors, increasing tourism must never compromise the authenticity or integrity of cultural heritage. The discussion explores practical approaches to ensuring that archaeological sites remain vibrant and accessible without becoming overly commercialised, demonstrating how sustainable management can successfully reconcile heritage protection with public enjoyment.
Continuing the journey through digital archaeology
"Digging Digital: the ARCHAEODIGIT Podcast" consists of 20 episodes, organised into thematic modules reflecting the project's training programme. Future episodes will continue exploring digital communication, innovative technologies, archaeological park management, heritage interpretation, audience engagement, sustainable tourism, and collaborative approaches to preserving and promoting archaeological heritage across the Adriatic-Ionian region.
The podcast series represents another step in ARCHAEODIGIT's commitment to strengthening the skills of professionals working in archaeology and cultural heritage while encouraging collaboration and knowledge exchange among institutions, researchers, tourism stakeholders, public authorities, and local communities.
Follow the ARCHAEODIGIT project and stay tuned for the upcoming episodes as we continue exploring innovative ways to connect archaeology, digitalisation, sustainable management, and cultural heritage through expert conversations and practical insights.
