Un progetto di Terza Missione per l’archeologia partecipata. “Porti aperti. Narrare l’attualità dell’accoglienza e dell’integrazione nel porto etrusco di Pyrgi”

The project “PORTI APERTI. Narrare l’attualità dell’accoglienza e dell’integrazione nel porto etrusco di Pyrgi” was made possible through funding from Sapienza University of Rome (Avvio alla Terza Missione – 2023 Call) for initiatives aimed at advancing the Third Mission. These initiatives seek to enhance the value of educational and research outputs while fostering the economic and social development of the region. While Sapienza’s research has had a profound and enduring impact over the years – leading to the creation of museums and the promotion of local enterprises – there remains significant potential to further strengthen the connection between the local community and the cultural heritage of the area. To address this, the project focused on active community involvement by creating an educational-scientific initiative centred on exploring the Pyrgi site. Highlights included the development of an exhibition presented during the European Heritage Days 2024, organised by students from Cerveteri’s “Enrico Mattei” High School and Rome’s “Augusto Righi” High School, as well as a series of educational workshops attended by over 50 primary school students from Cerveteri. These students became both active participants and narrators of Pyrgi’s history, which was further examined in a lecture series delivered by the research team that has been studying the site for years. The lectures attracted not only younger audiences but also engaged adult participants. Ultimately, the project underscored that the bond between local communities and their cultural heritage can never be taken for granted. Even in regions rich in archaeological, artistic, and natural assets, this connection must be actively nurtured. When cultivated, this relationship has the power to create a virtuous cycle where the local population takes ownership and preserves its rediscovered heritage.