Florence, Italy

Archaeological Conservation Winter School in Florence (Italy)

The Winter School in archaeological conservation is a joint intensive program by Masaryk University (PANE, Center of Prehistoric Archaeology of the Near East) and CAMNES (Center for Ancient Mediterranean and Near Easter Studies). The School takes place during the month of January in Florence, Italy, and aims at introducing students to the restoration and conservation practices applied to archaeology. The program combines fundamental conservation techniques with hands-on lab work mainly focusing on ancient ceramic artifacts unearthed at the CAMNES excavation of the Etruscan Necropolis of Pratino in Tuscania and that of Sasso Pinzuto (Upper Latium).

Course leader

Inna Mateiciucová

Target group

The Winter School is designed for people that wish to acquire competence and practical know-how in the cultural heritage conservation sector. No academic requirements and no experience in archaeological conservation are demanded.
Students may benefit from having a basic knowledge of conservation-restoration.

Course aim

• Understand the vital role of conservation by preserving archaeological finds to recognize their value and to keep ccessible/available our tangible cultural heritage as unique and irreplaceable.
• Understand which journey the artefacts undergo from their excavation to their final destination (i.e. display within the original context/site, in a museum setting or recovering for storage).
• Introduce students to conservation and its methodology, providing them with a general knowledge of basic conservation techniques.
• Instill a familiarity with products, materials and tools generally used in this field to conserve/restore archaeological objects made of ceramic
• Furnish the capacity to evaluate various issues that a conservator has typically to face during his job.
• Provide an essential capacity to conserve and document archaeological artefacts and objects from the perspective of a musealization.
• Interact with different professional figures to understand the important role of working in a team where diverse backgrounds and specializations are fundamental for a successful conservation project and, consequently, enhance teamwork skills.

Fee info

EUR 2500: The tuition fee includes:

• The entire course for a total of 228 contact hours
• Accommodation in double room in apartment with kitchen
• 9 ECTS Credits
• Course reader
• Access to the CAMNES library
• Lab equipment (materials, tools)

The tuition fee does not include:

• Travels costs to reach Florence (Italy)
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner
• International medical/travel insurance (mandatory)
• Anything else not mentioned