First Mobility – Orte, Italy (May 2025)
The first mobility of the UNDER – Underground Navigators Exploring and Revealing project took place in Orte, Italy, from 28 to 31 May 2025, marking the official launch of this European journey into underground heritage. As the opening stage of the Erasmus+–funded initiative, the mobility focused on equipping participants with practical knowledge on the management, interpretation, and daily operations of underground tourist sites, while fostering meaningful networking opportunities within the cultural and tourism sectors.
Bringing together young cultural operators, heritage guides, and project coordinators from Malta, Italy, Hungary, and the Czech Republic, the programme aimed to provide immersive, hands-on experiences in underground site management and archaeological heritage. At the same time, it encouraged intercultural dialogue and the exchange of best practices among small European organizations dedicated to the preservation and promotion of subterranean heritage.
Programme Highlights
The mobility opened on 28 May, with participants arriving in Rome and enjoying free time before transferring to Orte and checking into local bed and breakfasts. A welcome dinner offered the first opportunity for informal exchanges, setting a collaborative and friendly atmosphere for the days ahead.
On 29 May, participants engaged in job shadowing activities at the Orte Tourist Office, observing guided tours and gaining direct insight into how heritage is communicated to diverse audiences. After lunch at Taverna Roberteschi, the group met archaeologists Matteo Zagarola (Tuscia University) and Kim Bowes (University of Pennsylvania) at the "Sala di Giobbe." This session provided an in-depth discussion on archaeological research, site management, and interpretative strategies. The day concluded with an aperitif dinner that further encouraged networking and intercultural interaction.
The 30 May programme was dedicated to exploring Orte's underground sites. Participants produced promotional videos and observed operational workflows, gaining firsthand knowledge of the complexities involved in managing underground attractions. In the afternoon, the group travelled to Narni to visit its underground sites, where they explored site-specific challenges and learned about community-driven approaches to heritage management. Free time in Narni's historic centre allowed participants to experience local culture before gathering again for dinner.
On the final day, 31 May, participants took part in a reflection session and video screening to share impressions, key learnings, and ideas for future collaboration. The mobility ended with lunch and leisure time at the Terme di Orte pool, providing a relaxed conclusion before departures.
Learning Outcomes
Throughout the mobility, participants:
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observed professional practices in underground site management, guiding, and visitor engagement;
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developed multilingual communication skills in both intercultural and professional contexts;
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strengthened teamwork, problem-solving, and collaborative attitudes through practical activities;
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deepened their understanding of archaeological and cultural heritage and its relevance to community engagement and sustainable tourism;
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gathered new insights and ideas for educational and cultural initiatives within the UNDER partnership.
Impact
The Orte mobility significantly reinforced participants' professional capacities and enhanced cooperation among partner organizations. Through a combination of job shadowing, expert-led workshops, and immersive field visits, attendees gained practical knowledge and transferable skills essential for working within underground heritage management and tourism. This first mobility also laid a strong foundation for the project's next stages by fostering networking, the exchange of best practices, and initial planning for future mobilities.
Next Steps
The experiences and lessons learned in Orte will contribute to the development of training resources and educational materials for the UNDER project. Building on this momentum, the second mobility in Sümeg, Hungary—held in September 2025—will delve deeper into work-based learning, social inclusion, and community development, expanding the project's exploration of Europe's underground heritage.
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