The cross-border archaeological school KAŠTellieri is starting in Elerji

This year, the Cross-border School for Archaeological Research of Hillforts and Dry Stone Construction will take place at the hillfort of Elerji near Škofije, as part of the KAŠTellieri project (Sustainable cultural-tourism destination: Cross-border Land of Prehistoric Hillforts – Castellieri of the Upper Adriatic, Interreg VI-A Italy–Slovenia 2021–2027, project no.: ITA-SI0600226). The project connects Slovenia and Italy in the field of research and preservation of archaeological heritage.

The program will be held in two sessions, from 23 to 26 April 2026 and from 4 to 9 May 2026, offering participants an in-depth combination of theoretical knowledge and practical fieldwork.

The school includes expert lectures on the history of prehistoric hillforts in the Karst and Istria regions, on archaeological research methodology, and on conservation approaches. Special emphasis will also be placed on dry-stone construction, its tradition, and its modern use in the restoration of cultural heritage.

An important part of the program is fieldwork, where participants will learn the basics of archaeological excavation and documentation (including photogrammetry and 3D models), and will take part in the maintenance and protection of the archaeological site. In addition, dry-stone construction workshops will be organized, where participants will gain hands-on experience in restoring stone structures.

The project also promotes cross-border cooperation by including the exchange of good practices between experts from both countries and field visits to selected archaeological sites in Italy.

At the end of the program, participants will present their work and receive a certificate of completion. The school will be conducted in Slovenian and Italian, and the number of places is limited.

You can register HERE

The KAŠTellieri project is co-funded by the European Union within the Interreg VI-A Italy–Slovenia programme.