On March 4, 2026, the History Museum of Armenia will host a workshop where institutions and scholars will discuss the historical and archaeological significance of Aruch, as well as the prospects for its restoration, musealization, and enhancement within the framework of Italian-Armenian cooperation.
As part of the cultural cooperation between the Italian Republic and the Republic of Armenia, this international workshop, organized under the patronage of the Embassy of Italy in Yerevan, will focus on the Aruch site, one of the most significant archaeological complexes of Armenian cultural heritage.
Particular emphasis will be placed on the restoration and musealization project for the medieval castle of Aruch, developed within the ARC-HE-TOUR-DEV framework, as well as preliminary studies dedicated to the Basilica of St. Gregory. These studies will serve as a foundational knowledge base for restoration planning, adhering to methodological rigor and respect for the historical integrity of the monument. The project plans highlight an approach that combines conservation and enhancement, incorporating visitor pathways, rest areas, access points, and interpretative tools designed to provide narrative continuity and greater clarity in understanding a complex and stratified archaeological site.
Particular emphasis will be placed on the restoration and musealization project for the medieval castle of Aruch, developed within the ARC-HE-TOUR-DEV framework, as well as preliminary studies dedicated to the Basilica of St. Gregory. These studies will serve as a foundational knowledge base for restoration planning, adhering to methodological rigor and respect for the historical integrity of the monument. The project plans highlight an approach that combines conservation and enhancement, incorporating visitor pathways, rest areas, access points, and interpretative tools designed to provide narrative continuity and greater clarity in understanding a complex and stratified archaeological site.
ARC-HE-TOUR-DEV AICS – WORKSHOP ARUCH 02
ARCHAEOLOGICAL HERITAGE AND TOURISM FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN ARMENIA
MARCH 4, 2026
ARCHAEOLOGICAL HERITAGE AND TOURISM FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN ARMENIA
MARCH 4, 2026
15:30 | INSTITUTIONAL ADDRESSES
Alfred Kocharyan, Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia
H. E. Alessandro Ferranti, Ambassador of Italy to Armenia
Dr. Davit Poghosyan, Director of the History Museum of Armenia
Prof. Arsen Bobokhyan, Director of IAE NAS RA
Dr. Vahe Torosyan, Vice-Director of Matanadaran
WORKSHOP CHAIR AND ORGANIZER
Cons. Sergio Ferdinandi, Proiect Coordinator ARC-HE-TOUR-DEV for Aruch, Vice-President ISMEO and Co-Director of the Aruch Excavations
HIGHLIGHTS
16:00 | Dr. Astghik Babajanyan, Co-Director of the Aruch Excavations for IAE NAS RA, ARUCH 2022-2026
“Five Years of Scientific Cooperation and Joint Excavations between IAE NAS RA and ISMEO”
16:15 | Prof. Daniele Sansoni, Tor Vergata University of Rome – Department of Civil Engineering and Computer Science
“The Medieval Fortress of Aruch: Presentation of Restoration Project Within the Framework of Italo-Armenian Cooporation”
16:45 | Dr. Antonio Mesisca, Ceo of “Archeoservizi”
” The Promotion And Enhancement of the Urban Archaeological Park, Solutions Adopted Internationally and in Italy”
17:00 | Prof. Giuseppina Cinque, Tor Vergata University of Rome – Department of Civil Engineering and Computer Science
“Continuation of the Cooperation Project: Preliminary Architectural Survey Studies on the Basilica of St. Gregory in Aruch Towards Informed Restoration Planning”
16:00 | Dr. Astghik Babajanyan, Co-Director of the Aruch Excavations for IAE NAS RA, ARUCH 2022-2026
“Five Years of Scientific Cooperation and Joint Excavations between IAE NAS RA and ISMEO”
16:15 | Prof. Daniele Sansoni, Tor Vergata University of Rome – Department of Civil Engineering and Computer Science
“The Medieval Fortress of Aruch: Presentation of Restoration Project Within the Framework of Italo-Armenian Cooporation”
16:45 | Dr. Antonio Mesisca, Ceo of “Archeoservizi”
” The Promotion And Enhancement of the Urban Archaeological Park, Solutions Adopted Internationally and in Italy”
17:00 | Prof. Giuseppina Cinque, Tor Vergata University of Rome – Department of Civil Engineering and Computer Science
“Continuation of the Cooperation Project: Preliminary Architectural Survey Studies on the Basilica of St. Gregory in Aruch Towards Informed Restoration Planning”
CONCLUDING REMARKS
Dr. Harutyun Vanyan, Head of the Department for Preservation of Historical and Cultural Monuments Ministry of ESCS
Dr. Harutyun Vanyan, Head of the Department for Preservation of Historical and Cultural Monuments Ministry of ESCS
Language: English
Free admission
Free admission
