Conservation and Accessibility of Archaeological Sites: The Case Study of the Roman Theatre in Verona

The paper focuses on the conservation of archaeological heritage, aimed at ensuring accessibility for individuals with diverse physical, sensory, and cognitive abilities, highlighting the methodology applied to the Roman Theatre in Verona. Built in the 1st century BCE, the Roman Theatre is today a stratified monumental complex. The preservation of the fragile ancient structures is complicated by the functional requirements of the site, both as a museum and as a performance venue. Museum accessibility is inherently limited due to the presence of elevation changes, steep and uneven pathways, and irregular walking surfaces. There are no facilities to accommodate visitors with diverse physical, sensory, and cognitive abilities. Furthermore, the stage setups for performances extensively occupy the monument for several months each year, and the repeated cycles of assembly and disassembly accelerate the wear and tear on the ancient walls. The research was carried out in collaboration between the ClusterLab MATESCA of the Università Iuav di Venezia and the Municipality of Verona, as part of a series of initiatives undertaken by the Municipality to improve the accessibility of its historical heritage. The objective is to identify a methodology for analyzing the accessibility of the monumental complex, serving as a foundation for the development of guidelines aimed at enhancing inclusivity. Drawing on a definition of accessibility based on the most recent guidelines, the data collected in the field were processed alongside the information provided by the Municipality. The methodology can be extended to other archaeological sites subject to similar usage dynamics.