50 Years After the World Heritage Convention. An analysis of the evolution of the concepts of Monuments and Authenticity

Historic centers listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Ávila's Old Town, exhibit a convergence of diverse concepts of authenticity and monuments despite their geographical and temporal variations. This study reveals that these sites preserve distinctive features while upholding values of authenticity and outstanding universal significance across centuries. The analysis, conducted through a curricular internship at the University of Bologna, examined nine historic centers—Lyon, Provins, Albi, Florence, Pienza, Urbino, Córdoba, Toledo, and Ávila—to assess how interpretations of authenticity and monuments have evolved since the 1972 World Heritage Convention. The findings highlight the adaptability of these concepts while maintaining their core values, offering insights into the preservation challenges and strategies for such sites.

Pica, A. (2023). 50 Years After the World Heritage Convention. An analysis of the evolution of the concepts of Monuments and Authenticity. Restauro Archeologico, 30(1). https://doi.org/10.36253/rar-14280