Description
The archaeological site “Simonov zaliv” is a cultural monument of national importance. It boasts the best preserved and researched remains of a Roman seaside villa with a port in Slovenia; however, these aren’t adequately presented or accessible. Proposed project aims to increase the accessibility of the site and to provide a cultural and tourist frame within which the park could be adequately represented, thus developing a program and infrastructure which could enable the operation of the archaeological park throughout the year as well as its financial sustainability. The results of the project will include the creation of the presentation centre, the conserved and presented remains of the villa including the port, the inclusion of the park on the list of cultural and tourist attractions. The subjects to benefit from the project will include the local community, the education institutions on all levels, tourists and visitors with special needs, and, finally, institutions and persons with special interest in cultural heritage. Partners from Iceland will contribute the innovative digital and interactive solutions for the enhancement of visitors’ experience.
Summary of project results
The archaeological site “Simonov zaliv” is a cultural monument of national importance. It boasts the best preserved and researched remains of a Roman seaside villa with a port in Slovenia; however, these weren’t adequately presented or accessible. The restored and preserved cultural monument, together with the established infrastructure ensure sustainability of project results and enable its activities to continue after the completion of the project. The result of the project is the long-term solution to the operation of the Archaeological Park Simonov zaliv and the implementation of its activities for the accessibility of the cultural heritage to all target groups, as well as its inclusion in the tourist offer. The objective was to increase the accessibility of the site and to provide a cultural and tourist frame within which the park could be adequately represented, thus developing a program and infrastructure which would enable the operation of the archaeological park throughout the year as well as its financial sustainability Outcome of the project objectives encompass preservation and presentation of the archaeological remains, with the focus on mosaics and villa architecture, creation of the infrastructure, creation of the underwater archaeological park, creation of the interpretation centre, development and testing of interpretation programmes for visitors, including visitors with special needs. Accessibility of the site increased and the number of visitors has increased. All outputs were delivered, most important ones include the creation of the interpretation centre, conserved and presented remains of the villa, creation of the underwater archaeological park and the inclusion of the park on the list of cultural and tourist attractions. Beneficiaries have equally contributed and collaborated on the implementation of main outputs. The main benefit was increased collaboration between project partners and with local community, schools on all levels, and people with special needs with the result of the increased accessibility.
Summary of bilateral results
The main achievement on a bilateral level is in the transfer of knowledge in the field of innovative digital and interactive solutions for the enhancement of visitors’ experience that was transferred from the Icelandic partners to Slovenian partners. The other achievement was the promotion and distribution of the new digital resources of the Icelandic partner to the new potential market and new users. Slovene partners have achieved the transfer of knowledge and understanding of Mediterranean cultural heritage and ways of its promotion and interpretation to the Icelandic partner. University of Primorska coordinated the project and was involved in all segments of the project with the aim of conservation and restoration of cultural monument, ensuring it is access to the public, contributing to the local and regional development by creating new tourism destination. Municipality of Izola cooperated in management and coordination of the project and upgrade of the tourist offer. The Institute of Diving and Underwater Activities established an underwater archaeological park and executed dives with divers and non-divers. Arhej d.o.o. established the interpretation centre, prepared and implemented educational activities. Donor partner Gagarin ltd coordinated the concept in co-operation with all partners and provides interactive exhibits and digital solutions for dissemination of information. Without bilateral funds bilateral relations at any level would not be able to develop in such period of time, achievements would not be reached at the same pace as they were and outputs would be smaller in number and effect. Bilateral collaboration between experts and specialists was strengthened. Unique installations serve as the model of interdisciplinary and international cooperation in the field of tourism and cultural heritage with the broad range of dissemination of knowledge and awareness about the cultural heritage. Bilateral partnership mainly contributed to the project by the implementation of the innovative digital solutions, transfer of knowledge and increased visibility of the archaeological park, the monument and increased accessibility of the site.