Citizen perception about world heritage and archaeology in three Spanish cities: first methodological case studies

This text presents a first methodological experience aimed at understanding the social perception of the archaeological dimension and of World Heritage (WH) in three Spanish cities. Firstly, the rationale behind this kind of study is considered as resulting from previous research performed. This research revealed that archaeological heritage is absent in many of the European and Latin-American cities inscribed in the WH list. Secondly, Alcalá de Henares, Córdoba and Toledo, the three cities selected as case-studies, are briefly presented. All of them have developed archaeological heritage management strategies at least from the 1980’s onward; however, they are “less spectacular or socially recognized” than other “classical archaeological cities” in Spain. Thirdly, the methodology, composed of qualitative and quantitative techniques, is called into question since it is necessary to keep on working on it. Finally, the main results of each case study are compared and analyzed. Significantly, we observed a marked indifference among the inhabitants of these cities regarding the town’s archaeology and World Heritage. Additionally, there is an absolute disconnect between expert and the lay people visions. Consequently, it was necessary to reflect upon the problem and to perform (sometimes even more recurrently) social-perception studies to bridge the gap between both visions and to justify the efforts made to preserve and study Cultural Heritage.