Heritage and history of the marble industry in Alentejo (Portugal)

Abstract

The Heritage and History of the Marble Industry project (PHIM), based on interdisciplinary principles and practices, highlights the importance of the Portuguese marbles of Alentejo Anticline in a context of patrimonial and cultural valuation of a region where the ornamental rock industry defines landscapes, shapes the economy, and defines ways of life. Knowledge coming from scientific research is being disseminated through various platforms and audiences, contributing to regional development and providing solid contents for industrial and cultural tourism of quality. After two phases of the project that allowed to achieve broad knowledge about the application of the Alentejo marbles in the artistic heritage, the 3rd phase serves to expand the chronology under study (from Roman times to the 20th century) and to allow for new interdisciplinary perspectives, with the cooperation of History of Law and Economic History.