Sardinia allocates €30M for archaeological sites and libraries – how to

Key points of the regional funding

The Sardinia Region has allocated €30 million from the FSC 2021-2027 programme to protect and enhance cultural heritage, combining restoration, accessibility and technological innovation for archaeological areas, museums, archives and libraries.

Funding structure

The call is divided into two lines:

• Line 1 (€5 million): dedicated to libraries, particularly those acting as cultural hubs in small towns and peripheral areas.
• Line 2 (€25 million): for immovable and movable cultural assets, archaeological sites, museums, archives and monumental complexes.

Eligible projects and amounts

Projects can receive up to 100% financing, with budgets between €150,000 and €1,000,000. Eligible interventions include:

• restoration and structural consolidation of historic buildings and monuments;
• archaeological excavations and conservation of finds;
• removal of architectural barriers and improvement of visitor services;
• installation of photovoltaic systems and energy efficiency measures;
• digital enhancement tools: virtual reality exhibits, holograms, apps and multimedia installations.

Who can apply and territorial exclusions

Applicants include Municipalities, Provinces, Metropolitan Cities and Unions of Municipalities. For Line 2, the Metropolitan City of Cagliari and selected neighbouring municipalities (Assemini, Elmas, Pula, Quartucciu, Sarroch, Selargius, Sestu, Sinnai) are excluded because they are covered by separate funding streams.

Deadlines and practical notes

Applications must be submitted through the Sipes system from 1 April to 12 May 2026. Expenses incurred since 1 January 2021 are eligible. All works must be completed by 31 December 2030.

Practical checklist for applicants

• Confirm eligibility and check territorial exclusions;
• Prepare a coherent technical and financial plan (min €150,000 – max €1,000,000);
• Include accessibility and sustainability measures (e.g. barrier removal, photovoltaics);
• Consider digital solutions to increase site attractiveness (VR, apps, holograms);
• Compile documentation for the Sipes portal and respect submission deadlines.

Strategic aim

The programme aims not only to conserve cultural assets but also to boost local development and youth employment by transforming archaeological and bibliographic heritage into economic and cultural opportunities for local communities.

Tip: download the full call text from the regional portal and build a timeline for project delivery that takes retroactive eligible expenses into account.