About
As part of the ongoing Horizon Europe project STECCI, members of the Digitisation Unit at Heritage Malta carried out a successful field mission to Croatia aimed at expanding the digital documentation of Stećci, medieval monolithic tombstones that are uniquely characteristic of the Western Balkans. These monuments, recognised on the UNESCO World Heritage List, often feature distinct symbolic carvings and epitaphs, and represent an invaluable historical layer of regional identity.
The mission took place between the 28th of April and the 2nd of May 2025, with work conducted at two locations: the Crljivica necropolis in Cista Velika and the Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments in Split. This phase of the project was carried out in close cooperation with the University of Split Arts Academy (UMAS), where team members from Heritage Malta’s Digitisation Unit led the 3D acquisition work, with strong support from UMAS staff and students, who were actively engaged throughout the process.
A combination of terrestrial and aerial photogrammetry techniques was used on both sites to capture both the broader necropolis landscape and individual tombstones with high fidelity. In addition to static 3D scans, the team also collected immersive 360-degree tour content, which will form the basis of upcoming interactive virtual tours being developed as part of the project’s outreach deliverables. These tours aim to make remote heritage sites accessible to a wider audience, enhancing public engagement and awareness.
This latest mission builds on previous project acquisition efforts across the region and reflects the project’s strong commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, shared heritage, and the use of innovative technologies to safeguard and promote the unique legacy of the Stećci.