Terramara di Montale Reopens: Immersive Visits Blending Archaeology and

Terramara di Montale: a renewed path through Bronze Age life

The Terramara di Montale Archaeological Park and Open-Air Museum (Montale Rangone, Modena) has reopened with a refreshed visitor route that pairs archaeological remains with modern digital technologies. The aim is to make Bronze Age daily life easier to understand and more engaging for a broad public.

New multimedia components create a multisensory narrative: video and audio installations, virtual reconstructions, holographic projections and immersive environments guide visitors through an occupation dated roughly between 1650 and 1150 BCE. These additions connect excavation evidence to contemporary storytelling methods to explain production systems, fortified structures and burial practices.

The upgrade was financed in part by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) with a contribution of €315,000, complemented by regional European funds. It strengthens the park's long-standing educational mission: for more than twenty years the site has promoted experimental archaeology and learning initiatives aimed at schools and families.

• Multimedia features: digital animations, 3D reconstructions and projection installations based on updated archaeological interpretations.
• Accessibility: audio descriptions, tactile maps, sign-language content and easy-to-read texts to broaden access.
• Educational offer: tailored school programs, hands-on workshops and guided tours led by trained staff.

Specialist firms worked alongside the park’s scientific direction to implement the new displays, ensuring both interpretative accuracy and visitor engagement. The open-air museum includes life-sized reconstructions of village structures and exhibits that convey everyday life from 3,500 years ago.

The reopening began during the Easter holidays and the seasonal program runs through 7 June, with openings on public holidays and selected special dates, including the European Night of Museums (23 May). Practical visitor information:

• Address: Terramara di Montale Archaeological Park and Open-Air Museum, Via Vandelli (Statale 12 – Nuova Estense), 41050 Montale Rangone (Modena), Italy.
• Getting there: from the A1 motorway use Modena Sud or Modena Nord exits and follow signs for ss.12 toward Pavullo/Abetone.
• Visits: open on holidays and selected dates; check opening times on the park’s channels or contact the site before planning your visit.

This renewal consolidates the park’s position as a national reference for public and experimental archaeology, using digital tools to enhance interpretation, accessibility and the connection between today’s visitors and Bronze Age communities.