WP3, T3.6 In Situ Conservation Campaign – Cista Velika and Split, Croatia, 24.08-05.09, 2025.

22 Participants (16 Students and 6 Lecturers: Siniša Bizjak, Marija Milchin, Katharina Fuchs, Krešimir Bosnić, Vinka Marinković, and Miona Miliša)

During the first two weeks of practical conservation within the EU-HORIZON project STECCI, a rich program of conservation activities and knowledge-sharing took place at two important sites in Croatia: Cista Velika and Split.

Conservation measures were carried out at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Cista Velika as well as the translocated stećci in front of the Croatian Archaeological Museum in Split. International students (16 in total) of stone conservation from Croatia, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Germany, and Poland actively participated in condition assessments and hands-on conservation work.

The program combined practice and theory. Vinka Marinković presented past conservation work (2013-2014) at Cista Velika and her role in the UNESCO World Heritage nomination. Miona Miliša and Marija Milchin introduced the STECCI project and shared first research results, including condition surveys and the development of a damage glossary. Katharina Fuchs delivered a lecture on the application of grouting and micro-pointing mortars. Practical sessions, led by Siniša Bizjak, Marija Milchin, Katharina Fuchs, and Krešimir Bosnić, focused on documentation, cleaning, and the preparation and application of compatible mortars.

In the second week, work continued at the Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments in Split, again with strong student involvement. Beyond conservation activities, participants enjoyed cultural highlights such as a guided tour of Split and a visit to the Archaeological Museum, where they explored the conservation of a Roman sarcophagus recently restored by colleagues in Split. Overall, the conservation campaign not only provided valuable practical experience with the stećci but also fostered the exchange of knowledge, skills, and cultural perspectives among students and staff from different countries and study programs.