The Past Made Present: Issues of Management, Presentation and Interpretation on the Example of the Late Roman Defence System Claustra Alpium Iuliarum

Abstract

The paper presents issues concerning the management, presentation and interpretation of a complex cross-border monument, such as the Late Roman defence system the Claustra Alpium Iuliarum, which can be understood as a serial archaeological site. The defence system protected the passages to the heart of the Roman Empire. The archaeological remains of the system span in segments from Rijeka in Croatia to the Posočje region in Slovenia. The Claustra Alpium Iuliarum represents an outstanding example of integration of architecture into the natural environment: the archaeological remains are located mainly in wooded areas, which often overlap with protected natural areas, therefore their experience is closely linked to the enjoyment of nature. The remains of the system are spread over at least 19 small municipalities. In Croatia, they all pertain to the Primorje-Gorski Kotar county. In Slovenia, there are no regional entities which could coordinate and channel finances and activities for the valorisation of mentioned sites. In the absence of major and financially powerful entities, research, presentation and interpretation activities have mainly been implemented within the framework of several European projects, such as the PArSJAd, Claustra and Claustra+ project. The aim of these projects was to improve the attractiveness and highlight development opportunities of the defence system, also by connecting its stakeholders. Several research activities were implemented in order to improve the information basis for all dissemination activities. Parts of the archaeological remains were exhibited to the public. The projects were also intended to enhance the physical and informational accessibility of the remains. The sets of activities were focused on the development of a joint tourism product, and a participatory form of management was initiated through the establishment of a consortium of 42 stakeholders. The paper aims to provide a critical overview of the key archaeological, conservation and management activities that have been implemented on the Claustra Alpium Iuliarum system over the last two decades. It also seeks to highlight the main achievements of the European cross-border projects, evaluate their contribution to research, heritage protection and sustainable tourism, and reflect on the challenges of coordinating and managing a transnational, serial cultural heritage monument.