At the Borsa Mediterranea del Turismo Archeologico (BMTA) in Paestum, the Metropolitan City of Naples presented a new metropolitan archaeological network built around the project "Adotta un bene archeologico".
The project brings together the 92 municipalities of the metropolitan area, heritage-protection institutions and local organizations. According to the presentation reported by the local press, it is based on a survey of archaeological assets across all 92 municipalities, described as a census of the area's heritage.
Connecting lesser-known sites with the major attractions
The stated objective is to connect lesser-known archaeological sites with established attractions such as Pompeii, Herculaneum and Oplontis, and to encourage visitors to explore a broader portion of the metropolitan territory.
Rather than promoting individual sites in isolation, the initiative proposes coordinated itineraries and joint valorization activities. The emphasis is on visibility for smaller heritage assets that are often overshadowed by the major Vesuvian sites, while using those major sites as entry points to the wider network.
The territories presented
Examples presented at the workshop included Villa Augustea in Somma Vesuviana, archaeological and cultural itineraries around the Vesuvian area, the Lattari Mountains and Ischia, and the Suessola-Acerra area.
These examples illustrate the geographic range of the project: from the Vesuvian hinterland to the islands, the Sorrento Peninsula mountains and the inland area northeast of Naples. For readers in the Sorrento area, the inclusion of the Lattari Mountains points to a closer link between coastal tourism and inland archaeological and cultural routes.
A strategy to spread visitors and lengthen stays
The project's stated tourism strategy is to distribute visitor flows and lengthen stays, supporting cultural and economic development across the metropolitan area.
The approach fits the wider theme of the event where it was launched. The XXVIII BMTA, held in Paestum from 29 October to 1 November 2026, is focused on the promotion, management and accessibility of archaeological heritage and archaeological tourism, including cultural-tourism development and seasonal diversification.
What is not yet detailed
What the available reports do not yet establish is the practical next step for visitors. The sources do not specify an implementation timetable, budget or formal governance structure for the network.
There is also no complete public inventory yet of the archaeological assets identified across the 92 municipalities, and the reports do not clarify which sites are already open, funded or included in visitor itineraries. The exact criteria and procedure for participation in "Adotta un bene archeologico" are not detailed.
For now, the Paestum presentation marks the launch of the coordination framework. Travelers interested in sites beyond Pompeii, Herculaneum and Oplontis should check opening arrangements locally before planning a visit.