The role of Visitor Centres in UNESCO Designated Sites Regional Workshop for Europe 30 September – 2 October 2018, Palermo (Italy) Thematic Session 2: Interpretation of heritage and educational services. “The designations employed and the presentation of material throughout this document do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of UNESCO concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The ideas and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors; they are not necessarily those of UNESCO and do not commit the Organization”

1. Introduction
The role of Visitor Centres in UNESCO Designated Sites – Regional Workshop fo Europe – 30 September – 2 October 2018 Palermo (Italy)
AURELIO ANGELINI
Professor university of Palermo, Sociology of the environmental;
Director the Summer School, in "MIGRANTS HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRACY“;
Director of the UNESCO Foundation, Sicily;
President of the UNESCO Italy, Scientific Committee for the United Nations Decade of
Education for Sustainable Development (2005‐14), of the Advisory Board of the CNES‐Agenda
2030 (2005‐18).

2. Framework – Education and Interpretation of Heritage
The role of Visitor Centres in UNESCO Designated Sites – Regional Workshop fo Europe – 30 September – 2 October 2018 Palermo (Italy)
The Functions:
• Visitor Center offers an integrated and coordinated tourist reception system;
The services offered are free:
• Tourist information, maps, brochures, use of virtual totem, kids booklets and basic assistance.
• Particular attention is given to the assistance of differently‐abled persons and school trips.
The Objectives:
• helping visitors to understand the structure of the different monumental complexes and giving
logistical information.
• Involving tourists, citizens and students (Italians or foreigners) to take conscience about the
importance of the “Outstanding Universal Value” of the Serial Property.

3. Activities - Education and Interpretation of Heritage
The role of Visitor Centres in UNESCO Designated Sites – Regional Workshop fo Europe – 30 September – 2 October 2018 Palermo (Italy)
• Tourist reception
• Stage offered to young students from high schools of Palermo through a signed agreement between
them and Fondazione Patrimonio UNESCO Sicilia, according to the National Program (National Law n.
107/2015)“Alternanza scuola‐lavoro” (School‐Work turnover); School‐Work turnover through the
European Structural Fund in the context of the Operative National Program;
• Internship to university students from some faculties of the University of Palermo;
• Contest: i.e. “Arab‐Norman Imaginary, a Historical‐Cultural Heritage”.
• Conference: i.e. “Cultural and Natural Heritage: UNESCO Sites’ governance and best practices”;
• Extraordinary cultural event: i.e. Notte Bianca UNESCO
• Exhibitions: i.e. The Castello a Mare, a formidable stronghold into the Palermo’s Port.

4. Lessons learned - Education and Interpretation of Heritage
Management
The role of Visitor Centres in UNESCO Designated Sites – Regional Workshop fo Europe – 30 September – 2 October 2018 Palermo (Italy)
• During the first year (2016) the touristic flow is worth of more than 3000 visitors.
• In 2017 the touristic flow is worth of more than 8600 visitors.
• The Center is not only a space wherein get info, but also a place in which people, young and children can learn
and improve their knowledge about the art, culture and the heritage offered by the City of Palermo.
• Accessible Tourism: best practicies to involve differently‐abled persons through the Serial Property.
• Extraordinary events: “Le Vie dei Tesori” and the “Notte Bianca UNESCO” are two of the examples that can be
done to let understand the wide touristic‐cultural offer in order to guarantee a touristic flow during the whole
year, indeed there has been a flow increasing with a number of visitors worth of 260.000 persons just in the last
two years.
• It is important to let notice the great request of internships demanded by the university students or just the
“Alternanza scuola‐lavoro” (School‐Work turnover) program.

5. Potential - Education and Interpretation of Heritage
The role of Visitor Centres in UNESCO Designated Sites – Regional Workshop fo Europe – 30 September – 2 October 2018 Palermo (Italy)
There are still some projects to work on:
• Ticket office for those monuments enlisted in the “World Heritage List”;
• Arab‐Norman UNESCO Card: a unique ticket for the Serial Property;
• Guided tours organized in different languages;
• A specific bus in order to reach easily the Towns of Monreale and Cefalù (location of two
UNESCO sites).

6. Future - Education and Interpretation of Heritage
The role of Visitor Centres in UNESCO Designated Sites – Regional Workshop fo Europe – 30 September – 2 October 2018 Palermo (Italy)The role of Visitor Centres in UNESCO Designated Sites – Regional Workshop fo Europe – 30 September – 2 October 2018 Palermo (Italy)
It is planned to enhance the Visitor Center with an enlargement of the location, as a
center of Welcome‐Research‐Knowledge about the UNESCO property, through:
• A showroom;
• Multimedia room with an interactive 3D video;
• A permanent exhibition;
• A recreational area for children;
• A bookshop and a cafeteria, with a particular attention on touristic material adapt for
disabled people.

7. Contacts
Facebook:
• Palermo Arabo‐Normanna e le cattedrali di Cefalù e Monreale;
• UNESCO Sicilia
Twitter:
• SitoUnesco
• UnescoSicilia
Instagram:
• Unescoarabonormanna
Site:
www.unescosicilia.it ; www.unescoarabonormanna.it
Email:
staff@unescosicilia.it
Segreteria@unescosicilia.it
The role of Visitor Centres in UNESCO Designated Sites – Regional Workshop fo Europe – 30 September – 2 October 2018 Palermo (Italy)The role of Visitor Centres in UNESCO Designated Sites – Regional Workshop fo Europe – 30 September – 2 October 2018 Palermo (Italy)