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The smart management and the e-cultural marketing of UNESCO heritage

Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto (South-Eastern Sicily) — 2016 — WHEC8A2E46299

QR codes and mobile apps, such as iMiBAC, are shown to be effective tools for enhancing the smart management and e-cultural marketing of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These technologies support the integrated use and promotion of land resources while aligning with European and national legislative guidelines. In Italy, their implementation—backed by the Italian Association Heritage UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism—has demonstrated potential for improving heritage accessibility and engagement.

The Snezhnaya-Mezhennogo-Illyuziya cave system in the western Caucasus

Western Caucasus — 2016 — WHE5085EE8BD4

The Snezhnaya-Mezhennogo-Illyuziya (SMI) cave system in the Western Caucasus is one of the largest and most complex karstic systems, with a known depth of 1,760 meters, an extent of over 32 kilometers, and a volume exceeding 2.7 million cubic meters. This branched, arborescent network features sub-vertical shafts connected to underground rivers, including Snezhnaya (1,970 m a.s.l.), Mezhennogo (2,015 m a.s.l.), and Illyuziya (2,389 m a.s.l.). The system's largest chamber, the Thronnyj, measures 309x109x40 meters. Research since 1971 has revealed an average underground river discharge of approximately 500 liters per second and temperatures ranging from 0 to 6.5°C. Ongoing studies continue to explore this significant geological formation.

The Spatial Feature of the Old Summer Palace of China from the Aspect of Architectural Disposition on the Qing Dynasty Painting "Forty Scenes of the Yuanmingyuan"

Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing — 2016 — WHE747123F6AB

A key insight from this study is that the Old Summer Palace's garden spaces, as depicted in Qing Dynasty paintings, not only adhered to traditional ethical codes but also incorporated innovative architectural dispositions. These innovations emphasized imperial authority in political and ritual spaces, highlighted central activity areas in religious spaces, prioritized privacy and safety in living quarters while integrating natural scenery, and reinforced royal status through regular configurations in touring spaces. The research employed cluster analysis to categorize the architectural layouts of 40 gardens into four types, examining their spatial features based on these dispositions.

The Status of Domestic Water Demand: Supply Deficit in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

Kathmandu Valley — 2016 — WHE9B95F6DA41

A significant water supply deficit of 102 million liters per day (MLD) was identified in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, in 2016, despite the completion of the first phase of the Melamchi Water Supply Project (MWSP). The study estimated domestic water demand and available resources to assess the valley's water crisis. If the MWSP is fully completed by 2023–2025 with adequate treatment and distribution infrastructure, it could eliminate this deficit, substantially improving water security in one of Nepal's most developed and populated regions. However, the research highlights the need for efficient utilization of MWSP water through robust infrastructure development and complementary strategies such as rainwater harvesting, land-use planning for recharge, conjunctive use of surface and groundwater, and demand-side management to ensure sustainable water security.

The Stonehenge landscape: Analysing the Stonehenge World Heritage site

Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites — 2016 — WHE31EEC7748F

A comprehensive analysis of the Stonehenge World Heritage site reveals significant insights into its landscape, challenging long-held assumptions about its construction and use. The study employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating archaeological data, geophysical surveys, and historical records to reconstruct the site's evolution over millennia. Key findings include evidence of complex planning in the arrangement of stones, suggesting advanced engineering capabilities during the Neolithic period. Additionally, the research highlights the site's integration with its surrounding environment, indicating its role as a ceremonial and ritualistic center. This work provides a nuanced understanding of Stonehenge's cultural significance and its broader implications for prehistoric societies.

The Stonehenge Landscape. Analysing the Stonehenge World Heritage Site

Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites — 2016 — WHE9D567C3CDB

A comprehensive analysis of the Stonehenge World Heritage Site reveals significant insights into its landscape, challenging long-held assumptions about its construction and purpose. The study employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating archaeological data with environmental evidence to explore the site's evolution over time. By examining the spatial organization and material culture within the broader landscape, researchers identify patterns that suggest Stonehenge was not an isolated monument but part of a complex, interconnected ritual system. This finding reshapes our understanding of Neolithic society's social structures and ceremonial practices, highlighting the site's role as a focal point for communal gatherings and astronomical observations.

The strengthening of mansonry structures through the combined use of the joint resealing and Fabric Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) systems: The case study of the Abbazia di San Paolo Fuori le Mura in Rome

Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura — 2016 — WHE00D0872BFE

A novel approach combining joint resealing with Fabric Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) systems significantly enhanced the bending and shear capacity of masonry structures, as demonstrated at the Abbazia di San Paolo Fuori le Mura in Rome. The study found that applying PBO fiber-based FRCM on both surfaces of walls, alongside mortar joint resealing, improved seismic retrofitting outcomes. Penetration tests confirmed that the new mortar's compressive strength surpassed that of original mortars, offering a robust solution for high-seismicity areas like Palazzo Arnone. This method provides an effective strategy for strengthening historic masonry structures while ensuring structural resilience.

The Synaxarion Redaction of the Life of St. Alexander Svirsky: A Reconstruction of the Early Stages of the Text History

Architectural Ensemble of the Trinity Sergius Lavra in Sergiev Posad — 2016 — WHE75B2B561A5

Research reveals that the synaxarion redaction of the Life of St. Alexander Svirsky, a 16th-century hagiographic text, exists in three distinct regional variants, each originating from different areas and reflecting Herodion Kochnev's original work. Despite its rarity—only nine surviving copies—the first variant was widespread, known in Pskov, Novgorod, the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, and possibly Romanov, suggesting a strong demand for such texts during Alexander's canonization in 1547. The study employs textological, codicological, and palaeographic analysis to trace these variants' evolution, highlighting the absence of a standardized compilation method for medieval hagiographic works.

The taste of tea: Material, embodied knowledge and environmental history in northern Fujian, China

Mount Wuyi — 2016 — WHE8E29E9478A

Mount Wuyi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Fujian, China, is renowned for its superior tea production, particularly rock tea, which has been cultivated for over 1500 years. The study reveals that the quality of tea in this region is not solely determined by environmental factors such as terrain but also by the embodied cultural knowledge and skills of specialist tea workers. This includes a unique vocabulary used to evaluate taste and fragrance. Recent efforts to establish national tea quality standards have had to reconcile commercial interests with traditional ecological and cultural practices, highlighting the significance of both human expertise and natural environment in tea appreciation.

The temples in Assur: an overview of the sacral architecture of the Holy City

Ashur (Qal'at Sherqat) — 2016 — WHEFFDC5E37CF

Assyrian temple architecture in Ashur (Qal'at Sherqat) exhibits remarkable creativity and evolutionary adaptability, particularly during the reign of Šamši-Adad I (19th–18th century BCE) and the 13th–12th centuries BCE. Unlike later Neo-Assyrian periods, where sacral designs became derivative of those in Kalhu and Dur-Šarrukin, earlier phases demonstrate a dynamic, unconstrained approach to sanctuary layouts and cultic tracts. This 'longue durée' study spans from the mid-3rd millennium BCE to the late 7th century BCE, revealing how Ashur's architectural traditions laid foundational concepts for subsequent Assyrian capitals. The research highlights the site's significance as a cradle of innovative religious architecture, challenging assumptions about its later derivative nature.

The Timing of Precolumbian Militarization in the U.S. Midwest and Southeast

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site — 2016 — WHE6D0AECA08D

A new analysis of precolumbian fortifications in the U.S. Midwest and Southeast reveals that bastioned palisades, key to Mississippi period (A.D. 1000–1700) settlements, were predominantly constructed and maintained between A.D. 1200 and 1400. This suggests a significant shift toward institutionalized defense and warfare in Mississippian societies post-A.D. 1200, with fortifications often preserved for generations after their initial construction. The study employed Bayesian chronological modeling on radiocarbon datasets from nine major sites, including Cahokia Mounds, providing a robust framework to interpret the timing and longevity of these defensive structures.

The Tourism Development Policy for Thailand's Ayutthaya Historical Park on the Locals' Livelihoods and Government Responsibility

Historic City of Ayutthaya — 2016 — WHEE01E508F61

A study on Thailand's Ayutthaya Historical Park reveals that strategic tourism development policies can significantly enhance local livelihoods, with economic, social, and environmental benefits. The research found that improved products and easier access to local culture led to increased income and activity for locals, while also strengthening community unity. The study used a validated questionnaire (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.725) to assess the impact of national and regional policies on living conditions, emphasizing the need for inclusive policy presentations involving both investors and local communities.

The Twilight of Presence: Pictorialized Illumination in Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper

Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie with “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci — 2016 — WHE7228C74B3D

Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper in the Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie was designed to interact dynamically with the refectory's lighting conditions, creating a visually immersive experience. Using advanced rendering software, researchers reconstructed the original environment to analyze how light and space shaped the mural's perception. This study demonstrates that The Last Supper was not merely a static painting but an interactive work meant to engage viewers through carefully calibrated illumination, bridging art history with forensic visualization techniques.

The two-wavelength laser cleaning methodology; theoretical background and examples from its application on CH objects and monuments with emphasis to the Athens Acropolis sculptures

Acropolis, Athens — 2016 — WHE314FF94D01

An innovative two-wavelength laser cleaning methodology has been successfully applied to preserve the surface details and historic traces of cultural heritage (CH) objects, including the iconic sculptures of the Athens Acropolis. This approach combines dual laser beams to precisely control ablation processes, ensuring efficient yet safe removal of pollution without damaging the original material. Developed by IESL-FORTH in collaboration with the Acropolis Restoration Service and Museum, this methodology has been refined through extensive studies on technical samples and real fragments since 2002, marking a significant advancement in conservation practices for fragile monuments.

The unusual 28 December 2014 dike‐fed paroxysm at Mount Etna: Timing and mechanism from a multidisciplinary perspective

Mount Etna — 2016 — WHEDF9A658836

A multidisciplinary analysis of Mount Etna's 2014 volcanic activity revealed that the unusual December 28 paroxysm, characterized by dike-fed lava fountains and flows, was triggered by structural modifications in the shallow magmatic plumbing system. The study, combining seismic, geodetic, geochemical, and volcanological data, showed that this event followed a period of pressurization beneath the summit craters starting in August 2014. The research suggests that drainage of the main shallow conduit during earlier eruptive fissure activity (July–August 2014) altered the plumbing system, facilitating magma emplacement as a dike-like structure. This finding provides new insights into the complex dynamics governing volcanic eruptions at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Valletta travel information service

City of Valletta — 2016 — WHE1AB87D26B8

A sustainable mobility model for Valletta, Malta, leverages real-time data from automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) and street beacons to predict traffic movement and parking availability. The Valletta Travel Information Service (VaTIS) processes this data via smartphone users, enabling commuters to make informed decisions about parking or entry points, reducing cruising time and congestion. Its geodesign architecture is low-cost and replicable, making it a scalable solution for urban mobility challenges. The system integrates crowd-sourced data with predictive modeling to optimize traffic flow and parking efficiency, offering a blueprint for other cities.

The Wadden Sea: transboundary cooperation on a shared natural heritage

Wadden Sea — 2016 — WHE278C80CBFB

The Wadden Sea, encompassing the Danish, Dutch, and German coastal regions, was inscribed as a single coherent UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, recognizing its outstanding natural heritage. This transboundary designation places it among global icons like the Great Barrier Reef and Grand Canyon, highlighting its ecological significance as one of only three natural sites shared by multiple states. The study emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in preserving such shared maritime ecosystems, underscoring the Wadden Sea's unique status and the need for collaborative conservation efforts.

The White Marble of the Arch of Augustus (Susa, North-Western Italy): Mineralogical and Petrographic Analysis for the Definition of its Origin

Susa — 2016 — WHE3E8472C94E

A multi-analytical study confirms that the white marble used in the construction of the Arch of Augustus in Susa, northwestern Italy, originates from the Foresto marble, part of the metamorphosed carbonate cover of the Dora Maira Massif. This finding challenges the long-standing assumption that the marble was locally extracted. The research employed petrographic analysis (including optical and scanning electron microscopy), electron microprobe analysis, and stable isotope analyses to compare samples from the arch with reference materials. The results suggest that the choice of Foresto marble was likely driven by economic factors and the political interests of the ruling family of the Alpes Cottiae, who sought to promote a local marble despite its non-local origin.

The World as Seen from Venice (1205-1533) as a Case Study of Scalable Web-Based Automatic Narratives for Interactive Global Histories

Venice and its Lagoon — 2016 — WHE2D78D3AA8F

A scalable, web-based approach to automatically generate interactive global historical narratives has been developed and tested using Venice's 13th-century world as a case study. This method overcomes challenges posed by unstructured historical data and the limitations of traditional machine-learning tools, enabling the identification of key periods, events, actors, and locations through time-resolved network analysis. By focusing on actions like war, trade, and treaties, researchers can extract meaningful narratives that support hypothesis testing across datasets. The approach paves the way for agent-based modeling to simulate counterfactual histories, offering deeper insights into historical development and its potential future trajectories.

The World of Plants in Renaissance Tuscany

Medici Villas and Gardens in Tuscany — 2016 — WHEAB873E612C

Sixteenth-century Tuscany emerged as a European hub for the study of medicinal plants, driven by the Medici Grand Dukes' patronage and personal interest. This period marked a shift from apothecaries' monopoly to academic inquiry, where learned physicians cultivated and observed plants in wild settings and newly established botanical gardens. The study reveals how plants transitioned from therapeutic significance to being studied for their intrinsic properties, laying foundational work for the science of botany. Additionally, it explores the impact of New World flora on existing botanical knowledge, contributing to early attempts at plant taxonomy.