Capacity Building Academy XII

Savaria Museum occupies a unique position in Szombathely, Hungary. It is situated just a stone's throw from the Austrian border and thanks to its location, it brings a specific set of advantages and challenges. One of the most significant efforts to navigate these complexities was the ArcheOn Project, which was showcased at the recent Capacity Building Academy.

The project was launched as a joint Interreg initiative within the Austria-Hungary border region. It seeks to restore the historical connection between Southern Burgenland and Vas County. Although these areas are now divided by a modern border, they share a deeply rooted historical unity. The project focuses on bringing this shared heritage to the forefront of public consciousness by developing integrated tourism offerings and fostering a spirit of cross-border cooperation. By linking museums with regional tourism partners, the initiative ensures that the cultural landscape of the region is once again viewed as a single, cohesive destination rather than two separate halves.

A central achievement of the project was the extensive archaeological excavations: it was more than just digging up old objects; the sites turned into meeting points for everyone, from curious school kids to older residents and bridged the gap between the two sides, with Hungarians and Austrians working side-by-side and rediscovering their shared roots. The excavations became social spaces where the whole community, regardless of age or nationality, could connect over their past. These included discoveries at a Neolithic settlement in Sé, a sanctuary of Mercurius in Szombathely, a Roman aqueduct in Dozmat, and various burial mounds and medieval structures in Schandorf, Burg, and Plitscha. This ambitious work was made possible through a high-level partnership involving among others the Universities of Graz and Vienna, the Hungarian National Museum, and ELTE University of Budapest.

Following the project presentation, partners engaged in a collaborative workshop to address four primary challenges through the eyes of visitors, business owners and policy makers. A major focus was placed on harmonizing scientific language and legal frameworks to allow for seamless joint excavations across the border.