Connecting Public and Urban Archaeology: Enhancement of Urban Archaeological Heritage Through Local Archeo Plans

Abstract

The paper presents some definitions and tools developed as part of the ArcheoDanube project. The contribution, as well as the project, connects the fields of urban archaeology, public archaeology, management of archaeological sites and archaeological tourism. In doing so, of course, we come across basic concepts, some of which are still lacking clear definitions. This applies especially to the term »archaeological park«, which has several uses. After reviewing various definitions in recent international doctrinal documents, we propose one based on the excellent definition in the Croatian legislation. Following is a brief discussion of the specifics of archaeological tourism. Archaeological parks namely represent an important component in its development. Afterwards, we discuss the main topic of the paper: the Local Archeo Plan, which is one of the main products of the ArcheoDanube project. The Local Archeo Plan represents a new, broader form of management plan, specially designed for the specific situation of archaeological remains. Unlike conventional management plans for monuments or monumental areas, a Local Archeo Plan can be prepared for wider areas, e.g., a city, and offers us the possibility of dealing with the archaeological remains of different areas, with various solutions for presentation and interpretation, in the frame of a common outline. We then compare the Local Archeo Plan to similar plans in force in Slovenia and elsewhere and assess its relevance and usefulness in the development of archaeological destinations.