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Iron Gates Region Museum: the relationship between heritage protection and tourism development
Published on 21 December 2021
Romania
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About this good practice
One of the objectives of this initiative was to develop tourism infrastructure by restoring Roman and medieval heritage assets. Visitor trails were created to enable access to the cultural and historical heritage on display at the museum and all necessary services and facilities were provided to minimise the negative effects of over tourism.
Besides tourism, cultural events aimed at tourists and the local community can now be held in the castle area of the Roman sites, including historical shows, artillery shows, historical reconstructions, traditional dance displays, workshops andnight-time tours.There is an extensive educational programme for children and young people, offering history lessons, educational activities and art workshops to guarantee the viability and sustainability of the Roman heritage that has been restored.
The project was carried out as part of an agreement between two different public authorities: Drobeta Turnu Severin City Council and Mehedinti County Council. The main stakeholders and beneficiaries are: Mehedinti County Council, Drobeta Turnu Severin City Council, local communities, Romanian and foreign tourists, researchers, etc.
Besides tourism, cultural events aimed at tourists and the local community can now be held in the castle area of the Roman sites, including historical shows, artillery shows, historical reconstructions, traditional dance displays, workshops andnight-time tours.There is an extensive educational programme for children and young people, offering history lessons, educational activities and art workshops to guarantee the viability and sustainability of the Roman heritage that has been restored.
The project was carried out as part of an agreement between two different public authorities: Drobeta Turnu Severin City Council and Mehedinti County Council. The main stakeholders and beneficiaries are: Mehedinti County Council, Drobeta Turnu Severin City Council, local communities, Romanian and foreign tourists, researchers, etc.
Resources needed
-Funded under Regional Operational Programme 2007-2013
-Total value of the project: €11,450,000
-Non-reimbursable value (ERDF and national budget): €8,860,000
-Total value of the project: €11,450,000
-Non-reimbursable value (ERDF and national budget): €8,860,000
Evidence of success
The Roman cultural heritage assets were restored and tourism infrastructure was developed to protect and preserve heritage sites and structures. Cooperation between cultural resource managers and heritage professionals (curators and conservators) is essential to present heritage sites to the public in such a way as toensure that archaeological resources are adequately protected, as the relationship between heritage protection and tourism is not entirely unproblematic.
Potential for learning or transfer
The implementation of this practice has enhanced the appeal of this heritage site in the southwest region, contributing to rising visitor numbers and local economic growth. Mehedinti County Council has informed institutions in the same field in other countries about the practice to allow it to be used for similar objectives, highlighting its importance and necessity.
Close cross-sector collaboration, especially with the tourism sector, will lead to more efficient management and improve awareness of cultural heritage. Schools, universities and scientific centres at all levels should be informed of potential nominations and recruited to raise awareness of the issues involved in safeguarding cultural heritage.To adapt the heritage assets to their new functions, research was carried out to obtain further knowledge about the assets and their characteristics. The Roman sites are now open to visitors and promotional work is being carried out.
Close cross-sector collaboration, especially with the tourism sector, will lead to more efficient management and improve awareness of cultural heritage. Schools, universities and scientific centres at all levels should be informed of potential nominations and recruited to raise awareness of the issues involved in safeguarding cultural heritage.To adapt the heritage assets to their new functions, research was carried out to obtain further knowledge about the assets and their characteristics. The Roman sites are now open to visitors and promotional work is being carried out.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Territorial Administrative Unit - Mehedinti County
Romania
Sud-Vest Oltenia
Contact
Project Partner