Conference – The Protection of Archaeological Heritage: Theory Meets Practice
Open to All Palazzo Coppini, Florence, Italy Online
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See all eventsThe 27th International Scientific Conference of ICOMOS ISC TheoPhilos, organized in collaboration with ICOMOS ICAHM, will take place in Florence on 12–13 March 2026 at Palazzo Coppini. Held for the 17th time in the Tuscan city, the conference explores the theme “The Protection of Archaeological Heritage: Theory Meets Practice,” bringing together international scholars and practitioners to reflect on the dialogue between conceptual frameworks and on-the-ground conservation.
FROM THEORY TO PRACTICE: A TWO-DAY PROGRAMME
Hosted in Florence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this conference highlights the idea that heritage is not only to be preserved, but also mobilized as a resource for dialogue, mutual understanding and peace.
The conference programme will unfold over two days of thematic sessions that combine theoretical reflection with practical case studies.
DAY 1
Focus on doctrinal frameworks and conservation theory, with papers examining international guidelines, restoration philosophies, and the protection of medieval and Roman monuments. Afternoon panels shift toward :
- applied challenges, including the management of inhabited ruins,
- cross-border heritage sites,
- visitor pathways, and
- the integration of archaeology into urban and regional planning.
DAY 2
The second day broadens the perspective through international case studies spanning Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia, addressing:
- long-term conservation practices
- sustainable materials
- Holocaust memory
- reconstructed landscapes
- site coverings
- alternative narratives, and
- community-based protection strategies.
The programme concludes with a session dedicated to best practices and institutional experiences in conservation and interpretation, followed by closing remarks that synthesize the dialogue between theory and practice that defines the conference’s central theme.
The event is supported by the Fondazione Romualdo Del Bianco – Life Beyond Tourism, a longstanding partner of ICOMOS.
See the full programme here.
Registrations are open until 9 March, 2026.