Musealisation of Arqueologic Site of Mesas do Castelinho
About this good practice
The settlement of Mesas do Castelinho was founded in the 4th century BC. The archaeological site is located about 10 km from the main village of Almodôvar. Classified as an Asset of Public Interest, it has been the subject of archaeological research and local development since 1989. Recently, the Municipality has taken the initiative to integrate the site into the remodelling of the Manuel Vicente Ethnographic Museum, with the following objectives:
1) Ensure that any development of the site would also contribute to its conservation.
2) Create new digital solutions to make visits more self-supporting and to attract new audiences;
3) To promote and encourage the continuity of research and archaeological excavations;
To achieve these, Almodovar carried out the following, in addition to some infrastructure works:
- Installation of QR codes that allow the user to see, for example, an illustration of people in the Iron Age, the Roman streets and also the time lapse of the ruins.
- A mascot has been created for children, based on the legend of the enchanted moor and the lizard man.
- Signage and descriptive information
- 55 audio-guides translated into four languages, with receivers, for guided and personalised tours on site.
- Promotional materials.
The main beneficiaries are tourists, researchers and students, while the stakeholders are other municipalities and tourism and research organisations. This is a good exercise in how to use the latest technologies in museum sites.
Resources needed
This project had a 135.678,96€ funding from PDR 2020 but the exact amount depends very much on the technical content. The project was developed by a team of 6 public professionals from the Municipality. Infrastructural elements do not require particularly high maintenance.
Evidence of success
As it is an isolated site and anyone can visit it for free of charge, we do not have a specific number of visitors. In the future we will be able to model specific numbers based on the release of the audioguides that have now been purchasedm so we have no historical data. We estimate that there have been over 500 visitors since May 2024, which is a significant change from the previous few visitors. Many people choose it as a place to visit, either individually, in a group or as a family.
Potential for learning or transfer
In Alentejo, several cultural heritage applications are inder development like Mobile applications that provide information about the rich cultural heritage of the region, including virtual tours of historical sites, and Local Experience Platforms that connect tourists with local experiences, such as gastronomy tours and artisan workshops.
Adapting and scaling digital tourism solutions requires a thoughtful approach that considers cultural, economic, and technological contexts. By preserving local heritage, engaging communities, leveraging existing technologies, and fostering collaborations, regions can effectively implement and expand digital tourism initiatives. Portugal’s diverse regions demonstrate how tailored strategies can lead to successful digital transformation in tourism, benefiting both tourists and local communities.
Further information
Arqueologial Site os Mesas do Castelinho
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Good practice owner
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