The virtual archaeological exhibition of Santa Maria di Licodia was created in 2020, during the Covid-19 health emergency, when the ongoing pandemic made it impossible to hold the originally planned in-person exhibition. The Superintendence for Cultural Heritage of Catania chose to turn this limitation into an opportunity by launching a digital project that would still allow the public to access and explore the local heritage. In this context, we designed and produced a fully online exhibition that tells the archaeological story of the area in a way that is accessible, engaging and scientifically rigorous.
The exhibition presents a selection of finds from the Santa Maria di Licodia area, including terracotta objects, ceramics, everyday items and artifacts of particular importance, such as a bronze casket (cista) of great historical value.
3D modelling is the project’s most innovative element. Starting from a photogrammetric survey and under archaeological supervision, the most significant objects in the exhibition were virtually recreated. The models not only faithfully reproduce the decorative textures, but also highlight the material transitions resulting from different restoration interventions.
The exhibition texts are the result of a collaborative writing process designed to guarantee accuracy, readability and a strong connection with the local context.
The virtual exhibition of Santa Maria di Licodia is therefore a cultural enhancement project born out of an emergency, but which has become an effective model of accessibility and outreach. Moving from a physical to a virtual format made it possible to increase the number of objects on display, as the constraints of physical space no longer applied. An exhibition that was originally meant to include around ten artifacts became much “larger”, both in terms of information and display. More than thirty objects are now presented, each accompanied by a detailed caption. The online format has also made it easier to narrate the wider territorial context, turning the virtual exhibition into a real journey through the history of this town at the foot of Mount Etna.
Another key aspect of going digital is the extension of the exhibition’s lifespan. What was initially designed to last only a few months and to be accessible solely in Santa Maria di Licodia has become a cultural resource that is still available today from anywhere in the world, significantly expanding knowledge and awareness of the area’s history.
Riccardo Bonina
Livio Sgarlata
Antonella Musumeci