A colloquium dedicated to the history and traditions of hospitality in Italy took place at the National Archaeological Museum of Marches, Ancona, Italy, on 15 June 2006.

The colloquium focused on three aspects of the subject: the intangible cultural heritage aspects of hospitality; the tangible signs of hospitality, including 'welcome tablets', symbols (statuettes, or coins cut in half), and 'xenia' (welcome gifts); and 'witnesses' to the traditions of hospitalilty. There was also an overview of the subject as represented in various cultures and religions.

Mr Mounir Bouchenaki, Director-General of ICCROM, introduced the first section, on tangible and intangible heritage, focusing his comments on issues of safeguarding.

Also present were: Adriana La Regina, President of the Institute of Archaeology and History of Art, Letizia Pani Ermini, President of the Roman Academy of Archaeology of the Holy See, Mario Torelli, University of Perugia, Fabio Gabrielli, President of the the Hospital of Santa Maria della Scala of Siena, the Tibetan venerable Lama Geshe Gedun Tharcin, and historians and archaeologists from academic institutions.

The colloquium was organized by the Regional Commission of Cultural Heritage of Marche and sponsored by the Marche Region Administration, the Municipality of Ancona, and the Soprintendenza for the Archaeological Heritage of the Marche, with financial support from the Banca delle Marche.

updated on: 12 January, 2007