Lombardy launches 'Unesco Patrimonio Comune' to connect UNESCO sites with schools

Lombardy has introduced a structured programme to integrate its UNESCO sites into formal education and foster cultural citizenship among young people. The initiative aims to make world heritage sites lasting educational resources, available both on-site and online.

The project creates stable links between schools and site managers to use heritage as a practical tool for multidisciplinary learning, combining history, art and scientific-technical subjects.

• Main partners: Lombardy Region, Regional School Office, Politecnico di Milano (UNESCO Chair in Mantua), Abbonamento Musei Association, Unioncamere Lombardy and Fondazione Piero Simoni, funded by the Ministry of Culture.
• Training: online courses focused on individual sites, developed with UNESCO referents and the Politecnico; more than 300 teachers have taken part since the programme began in January.
• Teaching resources: kits for different school levels, inclusive activity materials, curated webography and permanent content hosted on institutional platforms.
• Visits and access: guided and autonomous visits organised with Abbonamento Musei, which will provide passes to participating teachers to facilitate direct knowledge of the sites and museums.
• Educational outreach: newsletters for teachers and special magazine issues dedicated to Lombardy's UNESCO sites, also aimed at younger audiences.

Planned actions include a post-summer study day to share best practices and a final publication that collects project outcomes. The programme also supports classroom innovations, such as pilot uses of artificial intelligence for heritage enhancement.

Practical info: lessons and teaching materials will be available on the Politecnico di Milano's learning platform and the Lombardy Region portal; schools can contact regional offices or project partners to join the activities.