Erasmus archaeology students complete heritage restoration internship in Cartagena

Eleven students from Slovakia have carried out archaeological internships at the Cartagena Puerto de Culturas this June, as part of the Erasmus+ short-term mobility programme. The group of students, all young women, have come to the Costa Calida from the Samuel Mikovíni Vocational High School, which offers a wide range of artistic and technical programmes and is located in Banská Štiavnica, a historic city in central Slovakia.

Young archaeological minds carry out heritage conservation and restoration internship in historic centre of Cartagena

The internships focus specifically on heritage conservation and restoration, and consist of three different study programmes, primarily Conservation and Restoration of stucco decorations and ancient buildings, but also books and ancient graphic documents and geodesy and cartography. The talented and passionate young students were accompanied by two teachers during their two-week visit, and a Cartagena conservator as well.

Restoring and preserving ancient monuments

To be specific, these young women focused on conservation work within the archaeology section of the Molinete Roman Forum Museum. During their visit in Cartagena, the Slovak archaeologists carried out cleaning treatments on the Opus Spicatum of the Baths and the Mosaic located in the Forum and other pavements; and acquired knowledge about the local stone used in most of Cartagena’s monuments and archaeological sites, called tabaire. After these cleaning treatments, the students have learned to apply lime water and restore the strength of the monuments, buildings and structures.

Additionally, the students received theoretical classes on conservation and restoration in archaeological sites, and enjoyed guided tours through the centre of the Cartagena Puerto de Culturas.

Cartagena, known for its history and culture

This experience has proven to be invaluable for these young archaeologists, who, beyond developing their professional skills, have also gained knowledge about a new culture, improved their Spanish, and created lasting memories with their peers.

Cartagena is a city known for its wealth of historical monuments, as well as its museum culture and rich history. These students, already back in their home country, will certainly apply everything that they learned to their work in Slovakia and continue to contribute to the preservation and restoration of history.