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Uses and Disputes in the Heritage Management of the Recent Past

Third International Seminar on Places of Memory and Tourism

What happens when places of memory that preserve the traces of a contested past become sites of heritage and tourism?

The III International Seminar Places of Memory and Tourism: Uses and Disputes in the Heritage Management of the Recent Past explores this question from a critical and plural perspective. Over two days, researchers, professionals and practitioners working in the field of memory will share experiences and perspectives on the processes of heritage-making and tourism development involving places associated with the recent past and its contested memories.

The programme combines academic debate, professional experiences and practical approaches, connecting international contexts with a range of experiences from Spain. Discussions will address issues including the conservation and reinterpretation of historical remains, heritage-making processes, visitor experiences, the educational potential of places of memory, and the value of territorial initiatives aimed at bringing these sites into public view and engagement.

The second day will take the discussion to Belchite, where a visit to the Old Town will provide an opportunity to explore first-hand the possibilities and challenges involved in managing the site as a place of memory. The seminar will conclude with an open discussion reflecting on the possible futures of this heritage and on the ways in which we construct our relationship with the pasts that remain inscribed in the territory.

The decision to hold the seminar across Zaragoza and Belchite reflects the aim of grounding the discussion in specific cases and diverse working experiences. Through these perspectives, the seminar will examine some of the challenges involved in bringing places associated with contested pasts into the heritage sphere, as well as their relationship with new audiences, uses and forms of interpretation.

Participation is free, but prior registration is required.

Agenda

Wednesday, 14 October 2026

Former Plenary Hall, Provincial Council of Zaragoza
Plaza de España, 2 – Zaragoza

12:00 | Welcome words

12:30 | Opening Lecture
Introduced by Núria Ricart (University of Barcelona)

15:30 | Panel 1 – International Perspectives
Introduced and moderated by Oriol López (EUROM)

  • Uncomfortable Architectures and Collective Memory: Challenges in the Conservation, Musealisation and Resignification of Fascist Remains in Italy through the Case of Predappio
    Valentina Gili | Università degli Studi di Brescia (UNIBS)
  • Places of Memory in Divided Contexts: Education, Dialogue and the Construction of Shared Futures in Cyprus
    Loizos Loukaidis | Association for Historical Dialogue and Research (AHDR)
  • Sites of Memory in Chile: Current Challenges and Perspectives for Memory Tourism
    Alejandra Canals | University of Barcelona (UB)

17:30 | Panel 2 – Places of Memory: Musealisation and Visitor Experiences
Introduced and moderated by David González (EUROM)

19:00 | Panel 3 – Territorial Heritage Initiatives
Introduced and moderated by: Iratxe Momoitio (Gernika Peace Museum)

  • RECURUT: Trans-Pyrenean Memory and History. Genesis, Development and Legacy of a Model European Project
    Diego Gaspar Celaya | Universidad de Zaragoza
  • The Traces of the Spanish Republican Exile in Nouvelle-Aquitaine: Tourism Strengths and Weaknesses of a Little-Known Heritage
    Jesús Alonso Carballés | Université Bordeaux Montagne

Thursday, 15 October 2026

10:00 | Departure for Belchite
Meeting point: Hotel Gran Via Zaragoza (Paseo de la Gran Vía, 38)

11:00 | Visit to the Old Town of Belchite

16:00 | Discussion Panel – The Belchites: Past, Present and Possible Futures
A conversation with Gael Rodríguez, Mayor of Portbou; and Alejandra Canals, Lecturer and Researcher (University of Barcelona).
Introduced and moderated by Jordi Guixé (EUROM).

18:30 | Closing and Return to Zaragoza

Organising Committee

David González
Diego Gaspar Celaya
Fernanda Zanuzzi
Iratxe Momoitio
Jesús Alonso Carballés
Jordi Guixé
Stéphane Michonneau
Núria Ricart Ulldemolins
Oriol López Badell 
Ricard Conesa Sánchez 

EU Survey

This activity is co-financed by the European Commission and for its evaluation we kindly ask your collaboration in filling out this survey. You will need the information indicated below. Thank you very much!

  • Reference of the Project: 101236354
  • Type of activity: Mutual Leraning
  • Title: 3rd International Seminar on lLaces of Memory and Tourism
  • Date: October 14, 2026
  • 2 Days
  • Physical event
  • Zaragoza and Belchite (Spain)

When

October 14-15, 2026

Where

Zaragoza
Former Plenary Hall
of the Provincial Council of Zaragoza
Plaza de España, 2 – Zaragoza

Registration form