This year, for the second time, the Region of Murcia is participating in the European Archaeology Days, an initiative that began in France in 2019 and has spread to all countries of the European Union.
The Director General of Cultural Heritage, José Francisco Lajara, presented this event today, which will take place from June 14 to 16. It is called "Open for Excavation" and has the primary objective of "bringing the public closer to the profession of archaeology and its results and highlighting the projects currently underway."
The objective is to bring the profession of archaeology and its results closer to the public and to make visible the projects that are being carried out.
Lajara explained that "dissemination is an important part of the work of archaeologists, as researchers and heritage managers, and that's why we invite the public to participate in these events, which provide an opportunity to raise awareness of the rich archaeological heritage of the Region of Murcia and the research projects underway, as well as to bring archaeology closer to the public."
"Last year, six activities were held, and the Region of Murcia was one of the most active. This year, with 25 activities and 16 municipalities involved, we are convinced that we will lead Spain in organizational capacity and visibility," emphasized the Director of Cultural Heritage.
Bet on rock art
The Region of Murcia is working intensively on the management and dissemination of rock art in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and other autonomous communities. This activity has been recognized by the Ministry with the presidency of the Advisory Council on Rock Art of the Mediterranean Arch (CARAMPI) in 2023.
The main action is the development of a Rock Art Management Plan for the Region of Murcia. As part of this project, and to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the declaration of Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1998, the Historical Heritage Service has produced the exhibition "Under the Shelter of Prehistory," with a versatile design that allows for itinerary and with criteria for profitability and reuse.
The exhibition catalog was also presented at today's event, along with a video summary to document the exhibition. The ARAMPI-Murcia Region rock art tourism brand was also launched.
Archaeology Conference Program
Other activities taking place over the three days as part of "Open for Excavation" include visits to the Portico of the Roman Theatre in Cartagena; the Salto de la Novia in Ulea; the Thousand-Year-Old Santomera; Cabezuelas in Totana; the Torreón in Cieza; Castillejo in Murcia; Almoloya in Pliego; the Sima de las Palomas in Torre Pacheco; Begastri in Cehegín; Cabezo de la Rueda in Alcantarilla; and Cerro del Tío Pimentón in Jumilla.
Other visits are also planned: the Archaeological Museum of Yecla and the Caminos de Roma in Cartagena; an escape game at Cabezo Gordo in Torre Pacheco; workshops and visits to the Archaeological Museum in Murcia; a visit to Rock Shelters and prehistory workshops in Moratalla; a visit to La Bastida in Totana; and a talk on archaeology in Archena. In Cieza, visit to La Serreta; and in Calasparra, visits to Villa Vieja and rafting and cave experiences.
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