Fondazione Santagata has been entrusted with updating the Management Plan for the Historic Mining Town of Artana/Novobërda, a significant cultural landscape in Kosovo. This initiative is part of a broader effort to develop a comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan for the Artana/Novobërda Castle and its surrounding area, commissioned by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Kosovo.
Context
The historic mining town of Artana, formerly known as Novo Brdo, is a significant cultural landscape in Kosovo, shaped by its rich medieval mining heritage. At its heart stands the Novo Brdo Fortress, a Serbian stronghold built in the late 13th century to protect the region’s lucrative mines. Strategically positioned, the fortress played a crucial role in a broader defensive network safeguarding the area’s thriving mining operations. Today, the site remains an important testament to the historical and economic significance of mining in the region.
Objectives
The primary objective of the project is to update the management plan to enhance both the conservation and valorisation of the Novo Brdo Fortress and its cultural landscape. The revised plan will:
- Strengthen the site’s conservation framework by integrating updated methodologies, tools, and best practices
- Support the valorization of the site through strategic recommendations for its musealization, sustainable tourism development, and cultural programming.
- Enhance community engagement by fostering local participation in heritage preservation and promoting cultural and economic benefits for the surrounding area.
- Identify and assess potential risks to the site while establishing a comprehensive risk management strategy, including clear implementation and monitoring measures.
Expected results and Impacts
The updated management plan will serve as a strategic framework for the long-term conservation of the Novo Brdo Fortress. Additionally, our work will support the concept design phase for the musealization and valorization of the site, ensuring its cultural and historical significance is effectively communicated and experienced. Ultimately, the plan will contribute to safeguarding the site’s heritage values while promoting its sustainable development for future generations.