Heritage, Volume 9, Issue 5 (May 2026) – 50 articles

Architectural typology classification plays an important role in large-scale documentation and analysis of urban cultural heritage. Recent advances in computer vision enable automated approaches for detecting and categorizing buildings from street-level imagery, yet the suitability of different detection paradigms for architectural typology analysis remains insufficiently explored. Despite recent advances in computer vision for architectural analysis, no systematic comparative study has evaluated closed-set CNN-based detectors against open-vocabulary vision–language grounding models for urban architectural typology classification. This study presents a comparative evaluation of closed-set convolutional object detectors and open-vocabulary vision–language grounding models for the classification of Athenian architectural typologies. A dataset of 3349 street-view images containing 11,111 annotated building instances was compiled and organized into five typological categories: Neoclassical, Neoclassical-Eclectic, Interwar-Eclectic, Interwar, and Postwar. The experiments compare several YOLO-based detection configurations with Grounding DINO under zero-shot inference, parameter-efficient adaptation (e.g., Kiw Rank Adaptation—LoRA), and full fine-tuning. Results show that supervised YOLO-based models achieve robust detection and classification performance with high localization accuracy and consistent typology discrimination in dense urban scenes. In contrast, open-vocabulary grounding models demonstrate limited reliability in zero-shot settings and require substantial adaptation to approach comparable performance levels. Analysis of confusion patterns further reveals that most classification errors originate from intrinsic architectural similarities between transitional styles rather than from model instability. The findings highlight the advantages of supervised object detection frameworks for scalable urban heritage documentation and provide insights into the current limitations of vision–language models for fine-grained architectural typology classification. Full article

Museums are increasingly required to combine digital transformation with sustainability goals under conditions shaped by ecological pressures, resource constraints, and long-term heritage responsibilities. This paper examines museum digital transition as a problem of strategic governance rather than merely technological adoption. Drawing on an exploratory qualitative case study based on the Italian ECO ART programme, the research analyses participatory activities, best practices, and project materials related to green and digital transition in the cultural sector. The findings show that the main barriers concern governance, process design, skills continuity, and monitoring, rather than technology alone. In response, the paper proposes a strategic framework composed of a Sustainability Matrix and a Roadmap. The matrix connects technologies, processes, and people with the cultural, social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainability, while the Roadmap structures digital planning from diagnosis to monitoring. This work argues that digital transformation can support sustainable and resilience-oriented heritage management only when it is planned as a low-impact, inclusive, and long-term organizational process. Full article

The degradation of works of art constitutes a significant problem for the preservation of cultural heritage. In the case of paintings, the observed alterations can be physical, chemical, or visual, affecting both the integrity and appearance of the artworks. Degradation compromises the authenticity, aesthetic legibility, and historical value of paintings, making the early monitoring of such issues, as well as the development of appropriate conservation and restoration strategies, essential. For an effective approach, the characterisation of the materials and techniques used by the artist, as well as the degradation processes inherent in the materials used, proves to be crucial. In this context, the application of artificial intelligence (AI) emerges as a non-invasive solution capable of detecting and predicting degradation in works of art. This bibliographic review aims to explore existing studies in this field in depth, with special attention to contemporary paintings considered as case studies. The methodology involved a systematic review of peer-reviewed studies, theses, and interdisciplinary databases, using keywords related to the topic under investigation (e.g., “degradation detection,” “artificial intelligence,” “craquelure segmentation”). The results indicate that artificial intelligence enables the early detection of degradations that may not yet be visible to the naked eye while also improving objectivity and consistency in the analysis of complex and irregular patterns typical of paintings. It became evident that there is a significant gap in the literature, regarding studies addressing the potential of AI for degradation detection specific to contemporary paintings. However, these could be a valuable case study given their potential material and technical heterogeneity, as well as their differences from traditional easel paintings. Full article

The history of pictorial space can be understood as a history of visual artifice, perceptual constructions, and material illusions inscribed on the painted surface. This article examines some fundamental milestones in the relationship between pictorial surface and space through a comparative analysis spanning from the modern tradition to contemporary painting, with special attention to the work of Claude Monet and Mark Rothko. It studies those pictorial strategies capable of generating perceptual ambiguity and uncertainty in the observer as a source of aesthetic and emotional experience. Starting from the conical perspective as a historical device for representing space on a two-dimensional surface, the work analyses its progressive dissolution at the end of the 19th century and the emergence of new spatial resources based on colour, matter and the organisation of the pictorial surface. In this context, painting abandons traditional optical illusion to explore forms of perceptual spatiality that can be as tangible as constructed architecture. Taking an interdisciplinary approach that links art theory, the history of painting and visual analysis, the article contributes to our understanding of the ways in which materials, pictorial methods and compositional strategies shape spatial experiences in modern and contemporary painting. Full article

This study analyzes how identity fit, narrative selection, co-creation, and AI-Enhanced Interpretation (AII) shape Tourist Active Heritage Engagement in Ecuador. Using a cross-sectional survey of 1336 international tourists and PLS-SEM with Multigroup Analysis, the results show that engagement is driven primarily by identity-based selection, rather than participation alone. MGA reveals a marked asymmetry: AII increases engagement and co-creation only among visitors with high technological readiness, whereas for low-readiness tourists, co-creation may even diminish engagement. These patterns expose digital inequalities and asymmetries in narrative agency, echoing UNESCO’s concerns about AI’s selective influence on cultural knowledge flows. Overall, the study demonstrates that co-creation operates conditionally within identity-driven processes and underscores the need for inclusive, differentiated interpretive strategies. Full article

Oil paintings, sketches, and printed works on paper frequently exhibit characteristic forms of deterioration caused by the absorption of linseed oil binders into the paper substrate. This study investigates for the first time the factors influencing the resulting volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from oil-impregnated papers upon ageing and explores VOC quantifiable metrics suitable for condition assessment. Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction coupled with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (HS-SPME–GC-MS) was employed to sample and analyse VOCs from mock-ups made of three types of paper (a pure cellulosic, lignin-free and lignin-containing lignocellulosic papers with alkaline buffer), three pure linseed oil formulations (cold-pressed and alkaline-refined linseed oil, and stand oil), and oil-impregnated paper mock-ups, all subjected to controlled artificial ageing. The results showed a clear difference in VOC profile emissions between pure papers and linseed oil formulations, while oil-impregnated mock-ups emitted compounds matching those of the linseed oil formulations; however, the emissions followed a different trend. Statistical analysis (PCA) demonstrated that both paper pulp content and oil formulation significantly influence VOC emission patterns, highlighting the compounds that produce higher and most characteristic emissions. Ratios of specific compounds—such as formic to acetic acid—showed consistent trends across materials, indicating their potential as markers for distinguishing stages of deterioration. Full article

This study examines the persistence, change, and discontinuity of human settlements in the northern Stig Plain along the Danube in Serbia. It examines how natural conditions, together with historical events and the strategic imperatives of specific periods, have shaped the establishment, development, decline, and abandonment of settlements in this landscape, as well as their change and transformation. Particular attention is given to the Roman city of Viminacium, now largely buried beneath fertile farmland and affected by mining activity. The research integrates theoretical perspectives on landscape, human–environment relations, and processes of discontinuity and change with insights into Roman urban planning and overall settlement dynamics, contextualised through the environmental and historical development of the landscape. It considers why Viminacium remained the only major urban centre in the plain and why no later settlement developed directly above it, reexamining whether this absence can be understood as a form of landscape discontinuity. The findings emphasise the strong influence of natural factors, while suggesting that the urban potential of the fertile Stig Plain could only be fully realised in the Roman period, through the establishment of a legionary fortress supported by advanced technology and organised labour, and guided by strategic objectives. From a heritage perspective, the study also examines the definition of landscape boundaries, highlighting Viminacium’s legacy as an integrative element that brings together remains from multiple periods into a unique and evolving cultural landscape worthy of preservation, though one that faces ongoing challenges in sustainable management. Full article

Contemporary art conservation increasingly relies on digital technologies capable of delivering accurate, non-invasive documentation across multiple scales. Within this framework, the study addresses the challenges of documenting and monitoring artworks integrated into historical architectural contexts, proposing an interdisciplinary and need-driven approach where conservation requirements guide technological choices. The methodology combines four survey techniques (static and mobile laser scanning, photogrammetry, and structured-light acquisition) to evaluate their effectiveness within a multi-scale workflow supporting conservation-oriented documentation. The workflow is tested on the Centro per la Scultura Contemporanea in Cagli, Italy, a museum where contemporary installations are structurally and conceptually connected within the historical architectural space. The paper presents a comparative assessment of the four sensors, considering both qualitative and quantitative parameters. Comparative analyses of the resulting point clouds was carried out using cloud-to-cloud distance measurements with a terrestrial laser scanning dataset as reference. Error distribution and geometric deviations are assessed to evaluate the performance of each sensor according to the scale and purpose of the survey. The results demonstrate that accessible and portable instruments can produce datasets targeted at conservation processes, when integrated within coherent digital workflows, in which architectural, spatial, and object-scale models are combined to create a digital documentation framework. Full article

In this paper, we present the result of the study conducted on aging tests carried out by the artist Emile Claus (1849–1924), composed of oil paint samples from three manufacturers: Blockx, Lefranc Bourgeois and Fritz Behrendt. These colors were applied neat and mixed with white on wooden panels prepared with white ground layer. A non-invasive analytical protocol, combining imaging techniques and physico-chemical analyses, was used to characterize potential differences between manufacturers for nominally identical colors. The differences highlight in this study include variations in nickel content in cobalt blue colors and aluminum content in madder lakes. It also discusses the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that led to the degradation of certain colors. Hyperspectral imaging further demonstrated that the addition of lead white induces a systematic shift of spectral inflection points toward shorter wavelengths, consistent with the optical dilution effect in pigment-white mixtures, while the altered colors do not follow the same trend. Full article

This study investigates women’s textile knowledge in Portugal as a fundamental element of cultural heritage, situating it within domestic, social, and industrial contexts, with a particular focus on Guimarães. Drawing on a multidisciplinary approach grounded in historical and documentary evidence, it analyses how female expertise in spinning, weaving, embroidery, and lacemaking contributed to the evolution of textile practices from the fifteenth century to the present day. The findings indicate that this knowledge was pivotal to the transformation of domestic textile activities into an emerging industrial sector, shaping both production methods and cultural identity. The study concludes that recognising the historical importance of women’s textile labour is essential for understanding the development of the Portuguese industry. Furthermore, this research underscores the urgency of preserving, transmitting, and legitimising the intangible cultural heritage associated with women’s textile knowledge. It argues that integrating this legacy into contemporary creative and industrial practices can foster cultural sustainability and unlock new possibilities for future innovation, ensuring that this ancestral expertise remains a living pillar of regional identity. Full article

Analytical studies of archeological materials often face challenges, such as the merging of heterogeneous, multidimensional datasets from complementary analytical techniques, and incorporating site- and user-defined parameters. In this study, a data fusion methodology is applied that combines micro-X-ray fluorescence (micro-XRF) spectrometry and handheld Raman spectroscopy to investigate degradation layers and identify pollution sources on two monuments in an urban background: the Temple of Hephaestus and the Byzantine Church of Ag. Theodoroi, in Athens, Greece. A total of 12 samples were collected for laboratory measurements and 32 in situ measurements were conducted. Statistical and unsupervised machine learning tools, namely correlation analysis, Principal Component Analysis and k-means clustering, were applied to the merged datasets. Additionally, selected elements’ ratios were calculated to infer their sources. The black crusts were identified as heterogeneous mixtures of calcium sulfate dihydrate, calcite, and particulate pollutants, with their composition reflecting their preservation state. Vehicular emission indicators were dominant in both sites, while secondary domestic heating pollutant indicators were more prevalent at Ag. Theodoroi. Orientation had a minor role compared to pollutant sources in differentiating degradation patterns. The integrated comparison of the different outputs highlighted the interpretive potential of the approach, particularly in improving the readability of the multivariate structure and supporting the development of targeted conservation strategies for monuments in polluted urban contexts. Full article

Cairo’s Islamic architectural heritage represents one of the world’s most significant concentrations of pre-industrial environmental ingenuity. For over a millennium, an integrated suite of passive climate-control systems—the Mašrabiya latticework screen, the open courtyard (Ṣaḥn), the wind-scoop (Malqaf), and stalactite vaulting (Muqarnas)—has moderated temperature, humidity, and airflow with remarkable effectiveness. Today, these inherited solutions are under unprecedented stress from urban densification, chronic particulate pollution, climate-driven temperature rise, and growing visitor footfall. This study investigates indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in six Fatimid- and Mamlūk-era buildings in Historic Cairo through the integrated IQAD-IAH framework, combining IoT field monitoring (January–December 2023) of temperature, relative humidity, CO₂, and PM2.5 with CNN-based deterioration image analysis and Random Forest predictive modeling. Results document critical summer thermal buffering failures reaching 28% of occupied hours above the ASHRAE 55 adaptive comfort limit; hygrothermal stress cycles exceeding the EN 15757 ±10% RH safe threshold for up to 38% of annual hours; and PM2.5 courtyard concentrations of 40–61 µg/m³ under normal conditions, surging to 180–320 µg/m³ during Ḫamāsῑn-seasonal wind events. Machine-learning projections indicate all three principal passive elements will cross the critical deterioration threshold of 70/100 under RCP 8.5 before 2050. A precautionary intervention window is identified between 2025 and 2032. Evidence-based management recommendations compatible with UNESCO World Heritage obligations are presented. Full article

This paper addresses the important issue of the proper management and protection of subterranean monuments. It concerns the analysis and decoding of the microclimate that is created in heritage structures, which are structures located beneath the soil or carved into rock. The aim of this study is to understand the hygrothermal processes occurring in the mass of underground structural elements, such as evaporation, condensation, water content, and heat fluxes, based on the principles of building physics. The methodology used is the following: a systematic literature review on the topic, an overview of the factors affecting the microclimate, the assessment methodology, and the simulation tools used to decode and evaluate microclimate in subterranean heritage structures; a discussion of the current gaps; and finally, a proposal for future directions for research. A review of the literature reveals that researchers worldwide have employed similar methodologies to approach this complex issue. Recordings and analyses of the microclimate inside underground monuments lead to decision-making and the formulation of actions for optimal preservation. Due to the large number of parameters involved in microclimate analysis, computer software for numerical simulation has been used in many cases. Following the review of the relevant literature in the field of study, a critical discussion concludes by proposing directions for future research on this important topic. Basic results of this research identify current gaps, problems, and limitations. These include technical and practical issues or gaps concerning lack of data for material properties and weather conditions. Another significant limitation arises from the complexity of physical interactions, as well as from the human factor, which involves the proper use of the simulation program and the correct interpretation of the calculation results. This study demonstrates that the microclimate of subterranean heritage structures is the result of complex interactions between climate, geology, architectural design, material properties, and human use. Across different geographical and cultural contexts, subterranean monuments exhibit distinct microclimatic behaviors. The comparative analysis of case studies highlights that while subterranean environments generally benefit from thermal stability, they remain highly vulnerable to moisture dynamics, ventilation changes, and external climatic coupling. Hence, there is a necessity for context-specific approaches rather than generalized conservation solutions. Decoding subterranean microclimates requires a multidisciplinary framework that combines environmental monitoring, material indicators, architectural analysis, and numerical modeling. Full article

This paper addresses corrosion risk management for pewter objects from the Belinho I shipwreck (Esposende, Portugal). A collaborative framework was established, involving community stakeholders during the critical post-recovery phase, leading to the development of both field community and laboratory preventive conservation protocols. During the second phase of the laboratory protocol, a crowned-hammer hallmark was identified, consistent with others in the assemblage. The third phase of the laboratory protocol implemented a progressive sequence of passivation baths guided by Pourbaix diagrams and systematic monitoring of physicochemical parameters (E_h, pH, conductivity, and temperature). Characterization of primary corrosion products and precipitates from the baths, using 3D digital microscopy, SEM/EDS, µ-Raman, and XRD, identified basic tin chlorides with abhurite and hydroromarchite structures. Collectively, results demonstrate that immediate preventive conservation is an effective strategy for controlling corrosion risk, underscoring the necessity of collaborative frameworks for the long-term safeguarding of underwater pewter heritage. Full article

Immersive technologies—such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and extended reality (XR)—are increasingly adopted in cultural heritage settings to support education, public engagement, and digital preservation. This scoping review systematically maps existing research on immersive learning within cultural heritage contexts, identifying major trends, pedagogical approaches, and reported outcomes. Following the PRISMA-ScR framework, nineteen studies were selected from 235 publications published between 2016 and 2025 across four databases: ACM Digital Library, Web of Science, ProQuest, and Scopus. Findings reveal a predominant focus on enhancing learner motivation, engagement, and the perceived authenticity of immersive experiences. However, empirical validation of learning outcomes—particularly regarding sustained knowledge retention, critical reflection, and inclusive participation—remains scarce. Persistent gaps are also evident in accessibility and scalability, alongside ethical concerns related to cultural sensitivity, power asymmetries, and the representation of diverse heritage voices. By foregrounding participatory and co-creation approaches, this review highlights how collaborative design processes can enhance learner engagement and support the sustainable digital preservation of cultural heritage. Full article

Traditional Peruvian cuisine has become a globally recognized experience, but its impact on visitors to the Caral Supe archaeological site—one of the oldest centers of civilization in South America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site—has not been studied. The main objective was to explain the constructs of the perceived authenticity of traditional food, loyalty to traditional food, service quality at traditional restaurants, and tourist satisfaction with visits to archaeological sites, based on the experience economy theory. An explanatory study was conducted using a structural equation modeling approach (PLS-SEM), applied to a sample of 381 tourists who visited the archaeological site and consumed local cuisine at restaurants in the destination of Barranca. The findings confirmed significant relationships among the model’s constructs (p < 0.01). It is suggested that the perception of authenticity of traditional food is a determining factor for loyalty (R² = 0.743) and a driver of satisfaction with the visit to the archaeological site (R² = 0.617), which constitutes the study’s contribution. However, the R² value for the construction of the tourist experience at the destination (R² = 0.301), the model does not fully capture the complexity of experiential processes at this particular heritage destination, which may depend on emotional, cultural, or contextual variables not included in this study. Satisfaction with the visit to the archaeological site is primarily related to staff attentiveness, the quality of guide explanations, and safety. It is concluded that the interplay between satisfaction with the visit to the archaeological site, the perceived authenticity of traditional food, and the quality of service in restaurants is fundamental to enhancing the experience at the heritage destination, thereby positioning traditional food and archaeotourism. It is recommended that the public and private sectors design strategies aimed at generating authentic and sustainable experiences for visitors, strengthening factors such as the destination’s reputation, the positive image of the site, satisfaction with the trip at the destination, and the positive experience. Full article

This paper presents an outline of a historical stone: the Marble of Campiglia, from Tuscany (Italy). A comprehensive review of the literature and archival documents, combined with a new detailed field survey, allowed us to revise the geological setting and exploitation history of this cultural heritage marble, which has been sporadically utilized from Etruscan times to the present day. The Campiglia Marittima Marble (CMM) has a thermal-metamorphic origin associated with the intrusion of a granitic pluton dated to approximately 5.4 Ma. This process gave rise to a marble with peculiar textural, grain size, and fracturing characteristics that influenced extraction techniques and methodologies. The primary exploitation periods of the CMM as an ornamental stone were the Etruscan-Roman era, the Renaissance, and the nineteenth century; currently, it is used exclusively for industrial purposes. A significant number of ancient quarries are located on the western slope of Monte Rombolo, likely attributable to the high variety of commercial marble types available in the area and its strategic location, which facilitated transport routes to the Tyrrhenian Sea. This research aims to bring attention to this historical marble and may support, alongside the potential reopening of selected quarries for restoration purposes, the preservation of the authenticity of the historical artefacts in which it was employed. Full article

Background: This research explores the intersection between cultural heritage and mental health, analyzing how heritage mediation acts as a strategic asset in the personal recovery of individuals experiencing mental distress. Methods: A systematic review was conducted across PubMed, PsycINFO (via ProQuest Psychology Collection), Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for the 2015–2026 period, following PRISMA protocols. The methodological quality of 18 selected studies was evaluated using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Results: The findings reveal that the efficacy of these practices stems from a symbiotic interaction between tangible and intangible heritage, functioning as an “identity scaffold” that facilitates the transition from a “patient identity” toward a “citizen identity” with biographical authority. Analysis under the CHIME (Conexión—Hope—Identity—Meaning—Empowerment) framework reveals convergent evidence across the Identity dimension, positioning cultural environments as “third spaces” that mitigate self-stigma. Discussion and Conclusions: Recovery is identified as a circular phenomenon requiring the convergence of clinical and cultural scaffolding. This study advocates for a humanized service architecture where therapeutic practices and affective curating coexist, ensuring the right to identity and social justice within community mental health contexts. Full article

Palaeolithic engraved portable art provides a valuable record for investigating the technical aspects of Palaeolithic graphic production. In this study, we analyse an engraved portable art object from the Epigravettian sequence of Grotta Paglicci (southern Italy): a Bos primigenius mandible bearing a figurative representation interpreted as a waterbird, possibly a swan. The analysis combines 3D digital microscopy and geometric morphometrics to reconstruct the sequence of engraving gestures and to quantitatively characterise the morphological variability of the incisions. Archaeological engravings are compared with experimentally produced marks obtained using different lithic tools displaying similar trihedral active edges (burins and unretouched flakes). In addition, experimental and archaeological cut marks from the same Epigravettian context are included for comparative purposes. The results allow the reconstruction of the sequence of gestures involved in the production of the figure, revealing a structured execution comprising contour engraving, internal filling and the addition of secondary elements. Morphological and morphometric analyses show low variability among the engravings, pointing to a high degree of motor control throughout the engraving process. The predominance of U-shaped cross-sections in the archaeological sample, compared with the experimental engravings, is consistent with the use of a previously used and/or partially smoothed cutting edge. These results highlight the potential of integrated technological and morphometric approaches for investigating gestures, technical choices and operational organisation underlying the production of Upper Palaeolithic portable art. Full article

This article examines how the Ecuadorian national digital press has represented the relationship between criminal violence, declining mobility, tourism contraction, and the erosion of intangible cultural access in Machala, Puerto Bolívar, and the route to Jambelí during 2025. This study aims to explain how mediated representations of insecurity can contribute to the symbolic narrowing of culturally meaningful urban–coastal spaces, even when those spaces remain materially present and formally open. The article responds to a gap in the literature at the intersection of critical heritage studies, media framing, urban fear, and Latin American security studies. The existing research has examined heritage as social practice, media representation of crime, and urban securitization, but has rarely connected these fields to explain how criminal violence erodes lived access to intangible cultural environments in secondary port cities of the Global South. Methodologically, this study applies qualitative content analysis to a purposive corpus of eight focal journalistic texts published in Ecuadorian digital outlets, such as El Universo, El Comercio, Expreso, El Mercurio, Extra, Primicias, GK, and La Hora. Deductive–inductive coding was complemented by descriptive article-level indicators of themes, keyword clusters, and temporal distribution. The findings show that the press did not merely report violent events; it progressively reorganized the symbolic meaning of Machala by re-signifying Puerto Bolívar, the marine environment, the cabotage pier, and the maritime route to Jambelí as spaces of risk, interruption, and conditional access. This study contributes conceptually by defining intangible cultural access and symbolic enclosure, empirically by documenting the mediated erosion of coastal public–cultural life, and practically by proposing integrated policy actions for security governance, cultural reactivation, local commerce, maritime mobility, and responsible public communication. Full article

Heritage Science generates vast quantities of heterogeneous data; however, the absence of a shared semantic framework frequently results in fragmented knowledge and compromised reproducibility. This paper introduces CRMhs, an ontology developed as a formal extension of the CIDOC Conceptual Reference Model (CRM), designed to harmonise the documentation of scientific investigations within the cultural heritage domain. By defining specialised classes for scientific activities, study objects and analytical datasets, the model ensures a robust chain of provenance from initial physical sampling to final interpretative outcomes. The efficacy of CRMhs is evidenced in this paper through two archaeological case studies, illustrating how CRMhs enables the integration of diverse analytical data into a coherent and navigable knowledge graph. Broader applications, including the integration of environmental data and its use within Reactive Heritage Digital Twin frameworks, are outlined as ongoing developments. In this way, the model facilitates seamless data interoperability, and it bridges scientific evidence, art-historical and archaeological interpretation, supporting a more integrated approach to the preservation and understanding of cultural heritage. Full article

As the core repository of historical memory, the revitalisation and utilisation of cultural heritage (CH) are paramount to cultural transmission. Currently, virtual reality (VR) has become a mainstream method for public engagement with cultural heritage, but existing research mainly focuses on knowledge transfer efficiency while neglecting emotional factors’ key role in heritage identification and dissemination. This study examines the VR-based CH experience for Tianjin Marco Polo Square via multi-stakeholder collaboration, exploring how emotional design affects users’ CH learning and identity formation. Findings show emotionally driven VR games enhance immersion, engagement, resonance and learning outcomes through multisensory immersion, goal-oriented interaction and narrative connections. Theoretically, a three-tier “instinct–behaviour–reflection” emotional design framework integrated with constructivist learning theory is built to tackle emotional deficiency in CH communication. Practically, it verifies that affective VR games upgrade CH transmission from unidirectional dissemination to dynamic inheritance, establishing a new participatory culture paradigm. Full article

With the ratification of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, the safeguarding of intangible cultural practices has been established as a normatively binding framework of international cultural policy. This development has placed the field at the core of contemporary discourses on cultural diversity, sustainable development, and identity revitalization. In Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), the processes of institutionalizing the protection of intangible heritage unfold under complex conditions of asymmetric constitutional division of competences, normative fragmentation, and functional dispersion of responsibilities, resulting in the absence of a coherent and coordinated cultural policy system. The paper focuses on assessing the potential of integrated and strategically structured management of intangible cultural assets to generate synergistic effects between cultural valorization, local sustainability, and transnational recognition. Methodologically, this study applies a critical, comparative-analytical interpretation of the institutional and legal framework of BiH, with special reference to the position of intangible cultural heritage within strategic policy documents. The analysis of the national register, including elements inscribed on the UNESCO lists, underscores the urgent need for intersectoral and transdisciplinary mechanisms to safeguard and valorize cultural heritage as instruments of cultural policy aimed at strengthening collective identity, fostering cultural tourism, and positioning BiH within the global cultural landscape. Full article

This study analyses visitor dynamics in the municipality of Rascafría, located within the El Paular Valley cultural landscape in the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park (Spain). Rather than conducting a landscape value analysis, the research serves as a diagnostic test of the complementarity and divergence between two data sources: official visitor records from the National Park and experimental statistics derived from mobile phone geolocation data provided by the Spanish National Statistics Institute (INE). The methodology combines GIS-based cartographic representation with a battery of indicators to characterize the spatiotemporal structure of tourist flows. A central finding is the complementation between the two sources: INE mobile phone data exclude intra-provincial visitors from the Madrid region, which official records show constitute approximately 78% of total visitation. Consequently, mobile data portray an artificially national and international market profile (weighted average distance ≈ 211 km) that contradicts the well-documented proximity-based excursionism dominant in the area, evidencing a critical bias in INE data. The Spearman correlation (r = 0.64) between the two sources confirms that mobile data capture the general seasonal pattern but not the volume or the local nature of demand. The results underscore the potential of geolocated data for understanding non-metropolitan tourism structures, while simultaneously serving as a cautionary guide for heritage managers: “smart” data sources require heavy supplementation with traditional on-the-ground counting methods to accurately reflect the reality of proximity-based heritage consumption. The paper contributes a high-value methodological assessment for researchers and practitioners seeking to integrate experimental statistics into the management of protected cultural landscapes. Full article

Geoheritage is increasingly recognised as an integral component of the broader natural-cultural heritage of human societies. However, existing conceptual and methodological approaches often remain fragmented, relying either on spatial coincidence or on separate analytical treatments of geoheritage and cultural-historical values, which limits the understanding of their functional integration. This review paper advances the conceptualisation of geocultural heritage and the geocultural site by moving beyond simple spatial coincidence towards a functional integration of abiotic and cultural-historical values. In this context, geocultural heritage is defined as a hybrid form of natural and cultural heritage in which geological and cultural-historical components are mutually co-constitutive, generating value through their functional, historical, and symbolic integration rather than mere spatial co-occurrence. Within this framework, the primary aim is to develop a theoretical perspective that supports a holistic understanding of the integrative relationships between geoheritage and cultural-historical heritage. Its primary aim is to develop a theoretical perspective that supports a holistic understanding of the integrative relationships between geoheritage and cultural-historical heritage. The study identifies and demonstrates three fundamental levels of geocultural synergy, including spatio-material, causal, and symbolic-transcendental, through representative case examples from Slovakia. To bridge the gap between theoretical recognition and practical governance, the paper introduces a semi-quantitative assessment instrument, the Geocultural Management Matrix (GCMM). This framework aggregates assessment criteria into two synthetic dimensions: the Geocultural Value and Integrity Index (GVII) and the Management and Potential Index (MPI). Based on the interaction of these two dimensions, sites are assigned to four distinct management profiles, linking analytical assessment with differentiated management strategies. In this way, the matrix provides a methodologically consistent bridge between geocultural heritage assessment and site-specific decisions concerning conservation intensity, interpretative development, and management orientation. The proposed model strengthens the practical applicability of geocultural research by offering a transferable framework for geoparks, heritage conservation and management. Full article

The global expansion of the gaming industry has intensified scholarly interest in the cultural and psychological implications of digital gameplay. This study examines how gameplay experiences are associated with adolescents’ and young adults’ attitudes toward traditional culture and national pride, focusing on how myth-based digital games can function as interactive vehicles for cultural heritage engagement. Using Black Myth: Wukong, a contemporary action role-playing game inspired by the Chinese literary classic Journey to the West, the study investigates the psychological mechanisms through which gameplay extends into longer-term cultural evaluation. Drawing on Self-Determination Theory, gameplay experience was conceptualized in terms of autonomy, competence, and relatedness, while Retrospective Imaginative Involvement (RII) was introduced to capture post-play imaginative recall and narrative elaboration. Survey data were collected from 312 Chinese adolescents and young adults who had played Black Myth: Wukong, and structural equation modeling was employed to test the relationships among gameplay experience, RII, traditional cultural attitudes, and national pride. The findings indicate that need-satisfying gameplay is positively associated with retrospective imaginative involvement, which in turn is linked to more favorable attitudes toward traditional culture and stronger national pride. The study suggests that the cultural influence of digital games extends beyond the moment of play and continues through reflective post-play processing. Theoretically, it contributes to research on media effects, narrative engagement, and digital heritage by identifying RII as a key post-play mechanism. Practically, it highlights the potential of culturally grounded games to support heritage communication and youth-oriented cultural engagement. Full article

This work presents the results of an archaeometric research study of the geomaterials used in the construction of the Late Antique wall of Emerita Augusta (currently Mérida, Spain). Dated to the 5th century C.E., this structure belongs to one of the best-preserved historical ensembles in Europe. In-depth knowledge of the geomaterials used in this ancient wall is essential for ensuring reliable restoration strategies and the successful long-term conservation of this monument. To this end, a rigorous sampling procedure was conducted in areas containing original archaeological remains. Samples were characterized using optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), thermogravimetry and differential thermal analyses (TGA-DTA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This integrated multi-analytical approach is highly effective for the study of built heritage. The mineralogical, textural, and geochemical properties of the granites allowed for the identification of the granite types used in the wall, while the results obtained for the mortars indicated that lime, fully carbonated and transformed into calcite, was used as the binding agent. Furthermore, the binder/aggregate ratios were found to be consistent with traditional Roman mortar formulations. These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the material provenance and construction techniques used in this landmark of late antiquity. Full article

The upper Euphrates and Tigris basins are located in modern-day Southeast Türkiye, on the northern periphery of the Fertile Crescent. From the eleventh to the eighth millennium calBC, during the Younger Dryas and the Early Holocene, human communities in this region transitioned from mobile hunter-foragers to settled agriculturalists. This process went hand in hand with the construction of the first monumental buildings, such as those at Göbeklitepe and its sister site Karahantepe. Although the Early Holocene is broadly understood as a phase of climate amelioration following the Younger Dryas climate reversal, it also featured short and abrupt phases of climatic instability, so-called rapid climate change (RCC) intervals. This contribution examines demographic trends against the backdrop of climate change to highlight potential impacts on human communities in this key region of Neolithisation, placing Göbeklitepe in its broader cultural and palaeoclimate context. Full article

A three-phase digital reconstruction of the now-lost tramezzo and presbytery of the parish church of S. Remigio in Florence, Italy visualizes the interior of this small gothic space as it may have appeared at the end of the fourteenth century. Using data collected from a combination of Terrestrial Laser scans (TLS), high resolution photographs, architectural evidence, and archival information, the Digital Humanities team of Florence As It Was has recreated the structure that once bisected this Medieval worship center, including three of the paintings that may have adorned it, to reveal the spatial and artistic relationships valued by the proprietors and users of the neighborhood church. The results provide an example of how traditional art–historical questions surrounding the original appearance of spaces and structures may be queried and then tested through the employment of Remote Sensing technologies. Full article

The Socialist Yugoslav Second World War memorials, works of large-scale memorial sculpture scattered across former Yugoslavia’s successor states, have gained international artistic recognition yet deteriorated significantly since the 1990s dissolution of the country. This deterioration has been particularly severe in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where ethnic and political divisions have complicated their commemorative value. This study employs the concept of “dissonant landscape” to reframe these memorials as integral components of a larger Yugoslav modernist cultural landscape rather than isolated problematic structures. By situating memorials within broader contexts of everyday heritage and collective memory, the framework enables complex interpretations that transcend simplistic ideological readings. The memorials, as dissonant heritage, are invested with multiple meanings by different ethnic–religious groups, and may function as catalysts for cultural dialogue and reconciliation. Methodologically, this study relies on conceptual analysis in the realm of critical heritage studies, combined with a case study of the Monument to the Fallen Fighters of the National Liberation War from Drvar, a relatively understudied memorial recently prioritized by local conservation efforts, and it includes analysis of previously unpublished archival material, field observation, interviews with local authorities and survey with the citizens of Drvar. This study establishes a new perspective on the heritage potential of Yugoslav memorials that may serve as bases of innovative preservation policies, grounded in reconciliation and cultural tourism. Full article