During the first portion in Cefalú the academic program will focus on lectures in the morning and afternoon/evening to outline the basic biology behind the technology applied to conservation of the cultural heritage that you will later study later. The program director will also review the main applications of biology/biotechnology in cultural heritage, including: Biodeterioration, BioAerosol, Biocide and Biocleaning.
Students will visit different sites in Cefalu': Cefalu' Cathedral, Rock, Mueso Mandralisca and the excavation in Himera. In Palermo for the remaining weeks, students will frequently spend time in the laboratory based classes or lectures taking place on-site (typical visits listed below).
Typically, students will be engaged with the program from about 9-10 am in the morning to 5pm in the afternoon during the week, except for some visits when the group will depart earlier or when special events are planned during a weekend. About one hour for lunch will work as the break from the morning and evening sessions of the course.
Visits to sites of importance around Sicily
Excursions to various sites around Sicily will be planned, which may include:
- Museum of Hymera
- Palermo Norman Architecture
- Paride Fountain at the Botanic Garden
- Villa Romana del Casale and Piazza Armerina
- Museo delle Trame Mediterranee
- Museo Internazionale Delle Marionette
- The catacombs of Frati cappuccino in Palermo
- Selinunte archeological park
Academic enrichment
Prof. Franco Palla, STEBICEF, Laboratory of Biology and Biotechnology for Cultural Heritage, University of Palermo (IT), Coordinator of the Five years Degree in Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage, is part of the team of specialists that will follow our students. Optional voluntary laboratory experience can be conducted under the supervision of post-docs and graduate students of the laboratory of Biology and Biotechnology for Cultural Heritage.
Cultural enrichment
While the course is based on biotechnologies, the specific type of subjects where these technologies will be applied-- monuments, books, artistic manufactured goods and more-- offers to our students the unique opportunity to learn about and interact with the impressive historical and artistic treasures present in Sicily. In this program we are supported by the University of Palermo's Rector Prof. Fabrizio Micari, with the support of Dr. Stefano Biondo, head of the “ Centro Regionale per la Progettazione e il Restauro” and the following Regional departments:
- Dipartimento dei Beni Culturali e dell'Identità Siciliana
- Centro Regionale per la Progettazione e il Restauro
- Soprintendenza Beni Culturali e Ambientali