Sustainability of Underground Heritage; The Example of the Military Galleries of the Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad, Serbia

Abstract

This paper focuses on the underground military galleries and countermine system of the Petrovaradin Fortress near Novi Sad (Serbia). The Petrovaradin Fortress was presented within the working group Underground Built Heritage Reuse and Valorisation Strategies on the COST action Underground4value as a good example of tourist valorised underground cultural heritage in Serbia. The goal of the paper is to consider as widely as possible the options that could contribute to the sustainability of these galleries. Numerous field observations, complex research of the literature as well as other available sources, and interviews with visitors to the fortress were necessary for this goal to be achieved. The paper has special historical and practical significance. On the one hand, it represents a record in time concerning the condition of the Petrovaradin Fortress. The practical significance is reflected in the scientific contribution based on the critical analysis of the results obtained from authorities on the Fortress and visitors, as well as the ideas that the authors conceived or adapted from similar sites in the world, assessing that these ideas can be applied to the Petrovaradin Fortress. The results of the paper explain the aspects of ecological, economic, and social sustainability of the Petrovaradin Fortress, and indicate the need for it to be supported by various institutions.

Cultural Routes as Cultural Tourism Products for Heritage Conservation and Regional Development: A Systematic Review

“…The establishment of route committees or associations creates a platform that facilitates cooperation and communication among various stakeholders (e.g., governments, NGOs, residents, tourists, experts in various disciplines, etc. ), which contributes to heritage management, conservation and revitalization, financing and management, itinerary design, and route promotion and publicity [39][40][41][42][43]. However, tourism may introduce too many stakeholders, which can affect the progress of heritage conservation and development [41].…”

“…As for cultural infrastructure, routes' museums and art galleries are good places to display the history and culture of the region so that tourists can establish a comprehensive understanding of the historical background and cultural characteristics of the sites [43,57,[61][62][63][64][65]. For example, more than 60 art venues have been established along the Erie Canal in an attempt to make the canal an outdoor "art gallery," which has become a new landmark for tourism where tourists can enjoy art museums and galleries, locally based artistic traditions, and historical theaters [64].…”

Cultural Routes as Cultural Tourism Products for Heritage Conservation and Regional development: A Systematic Review

“…The establishment of route committees or associations is to create a platform that facilitates cooperation and communication among various stakeholders (e.g., government, NGOs, residents, tourists, experts in various disciplines, etc. ), which contributes to heritage management, conservation and revitalization, financing and management, itinerary design, route promotion and publicity [25][26][27][28][29]. However, sometimes, tourism may brings too many stakeholders, which can affect the progress of heritage conservation and development [27].…”

Exploring the Image, Perceived Authenticity, and Perceived Value of Underground Built Heritage (UBH) and Its Role in Motivation to Visit: A Case Study of Five Different Countries

“…It is one of the best-preserved fortifications in Europe and represents a great example of military architecture. The fortress was built between 1692 and 1780, covers an area of 112 ha, has 10 gates, 12,000 loopholes, and places for 400 cannons [66,67]. The Austrians began to build fortifications according to contemporary standards for defense against the Turks.…”

“…The underground military galleries have four floors. The total length of underground communications and chambers is allegedly 16 km [67,68]. About a kilometer of underground military galleries is located within the exhibition of The City Museum of Novi Sad.…”