HERITAGE LINKS: Matera’s Sassi at the centre of a cross‑border initiative
On 14 July 2026 the second meeting of HERITAGE LINKS – Cross Border World Heritage Itineraries, funded by the Interreg VI‑A Italy‑Greece 2021‑2027 programme, took place in Basilicata. The initiative aims to exchange knowledge and develop common approaches for the management and enhancement of UNESCO sites, with the Sassi di Matera and the Park of Rock Churches playing a central role.
Goals and partners
HERITAGE LINKS seeks to promote the sharing of best practices among Mediterranean territories. Partners include the Region of Epirus (lead partner), the Region of the Ionian Islands, the Region of Basilicata, Basilicata Creativa, GAL Area Grecanica and Calabrian stakeholders. The project also links sites such as the Old Town of Corfu, the Cultural Landscape of Zagori and the Aspromonte UNESCO Global Geopark.
Planned activities
- Joint research: comparative analysis of management models and tourist impact.
- Capacity building: workshops, study visits and training for administrations, universities and research bodies.
- Pilot experiments: testing digital tools for monitoring, planning and cultural heritage storytelling.
Digital innovation: Matera’s Digital Twin
The meeting featured a presentation by the CISC (Interdepartmental Centre for City Science) of the CNR on the Digital Twin of Matera. Combining territorial data, artificial intelligence and digital models aims to improve knowledge, monitoring and sustainable management of the UNESCO site.
HSH Informatica e Cultura Srl demonstrated an application derived from Matera’s Digital Twin that uses geolocated data and AI algorithms to analyse tourist flows and pressure levels across areas of the Sassi, offering practical planning and monitoring support for local authorities.
Communication and networking
The project’s new brand identity, created by Universosud Società Cooperativa, will guide HERITAGE LINKS communication. The initiative aims to build a stable cooperation network across Basilicata, Epirus, the Ionian Islands and Calabria, encouraging exchanges among institutions, companies and local communities.
Field visits and knowledge exchange
The meeting concluded with a visit to the Archaeological Heritage Specialisation School at the University of Basilicata and a guided itinerary through the UNESCO site of the Sassi di Matera, giving international partners firsthand insight into local research, conservation and enhancement practices.
Why this matters
HERITAGE LINKS exemplifies an integrated approach to cultural heritage management that blends governance, digital innovation and territorial engagement. For the Sassi di Matera, international cooperation and advanced tools can strengthen protection, address overtourism and promote sustainable valorisation.
Where it is
Location: Sassi di Matera, 75100 Matera MT, Italia
Coordinates: 40.6648626, 16.6107106
