19–23 August 2026. Embarking on a one-of-a-kind educational visit through Umbria, where the local economy is deeply rooted in crafts and cultural tourism, participants in the ICCROM-led Towards Sustainable Development in Africa: Transformative Capacity Building to Advance Craftsmanship in Cultural Heritage Conservation project explored some of Umbria’s most culturally vibrant towns.
The immersive trip to the region provided an invaluable opportunity for first-hand observation of materials, traditional techniques, heritage sites, and craft workshops, while highlighting how craftsmanship can contribute to preserving history and promoting economic development.
The study visit, organized in partnership with ICCROM’s local implementing partner Be Human, took the entire group of young craftspeople who hail from Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Kenya and Tunisia through a series of curated tours designed to enhance knowledge exchange and strengthen technical knowledge in mosaic-making, blacksmithing, marble work and stonemasonry, bricklaying, plastering and decoration.
Highlights of the “Transformative Craftsmanship ~ Transformative Africa” Study Visit:
- Heritage-driven local development | Spoleto and Trevi: Participants explored Spoleto’s historic city centre and visited the San Francesco Museum Complex and the Museum of Olive Culture in Trevi. These visits highlighted the value of investing in built heritage and artisanal work, as well as the connections between traditional knowledge, cultural heritage and local livelihoods.
- Conservation specialist skills | Spello and Perugia: Participants learned about mosaic conservation at the Villa dei Mosaici and toured the National Gallery of Umbria, gaining insight into the specialist skills involved in conserving significant works of art. An unexpected highlight was the opportunity to observe a master artisan restoring the cathedral doors at close range, demonstrating the precision and expertise behind every purposeful stroke.
- Knowledge transmission and living traditions | Gubbio: Uncovering centuries of woodcarving and cabinet-making traditions, the participants saw how the transmission of traditional techniques within local communities keeps craftsmanship thriving today and into the future.
- Restoration and hands-on learning | Assisi and a return to Perugia: At the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, participants explored the conservation of monumental heritage, including its vaults and frescoes, with chief restorer Sergio Fusetti. The visit offered insight into the specialist knowledge required to conserve these complex works. The day continued with hands-on workshops and a visit to the historic Moretti-Caselli Stained Glass Studio, further showcasing the value of practical learning and knowledge transmission.
"Participating in this programme with ICCROM has been a very enriching experience for me, both professionally and personally. As a mosaic artist with an interest in heritage restoration and conservation, I found these visits particularly inspiring. Seeing the materials, traditional techniques, and the work of the artisans firsthand allowed me to better understand and appreciate even more what we learn in our programme." — Eya Jouini, Tunisia
The Umbria study visit is a key segment of the project’s wider continuum of learning and knowledge transmission. Through professional upskilling, the project aims to facilitate employment opportunities and support sustainable development across the participating countries.
The innovative Towards Sustainable Development in Africa: Transformative Capacity Building to Advance Craftsmanship in Cultural Heritage Conservation project is implemented by ICCROM with the generous support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI-DGCS) and in close collaboration with the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).