The 2nd Medieval Session will take place on June 24th, at 4:00 PM, in online format (via Zoom). We will feature a contribution by Carlos Carpetudo (Coordinator of Morbase – Municipality of Montemor-o-Novo), whose presentation will focus on the topic: “Virtual Heritage in Three Case Studies”.
The increasing use of digitization as a complementary tool in the study of historical heritage has shaped the evolution of methodologies in Portugal. Morbase, a project by the Municipality of Montemor-o-Novo, pioneered the use of digital technologies for the recording, dissemination, and promotion of its historical and cultural heritage. Linked to this initiative, the Virtual Archaeology Marathon emerged — an Iberian event with seven successful editions and plans for a future international edition, highlighting its growing recognition. In parallel, Global Digital Heritage operates worldwide to digitize heritage and provide open-access data, complementing local efforts and underscoring the importance of digital preservation and democratic access to science. These three cases illustrate the multifaceted applications of Virtual Heritage and its potential to transform how we engage with cultural heritage.
Carlos Carpetudo holds a degree in Archaeology from the University of Évora (2008) and is currently pursuing a master’s degree at the same institution. He received training in Heritage Virtualization from the University of Burgos and specialized in Virtual Heritage and Historical Illustration at the University of Alicante (2017 and 2019). Since 2014, he has served as coordinator of Morbase, a public archaeology project dedicated to promoting the historical heritage of the Municipality of Montemor-o-Novo, Portugal. Recognized for excellence, the project was awarded for Best Practices in Public Administration by the Rede Comum de Conhecimento (Common Knowledge Network) and received an Honorable Mention for Best Communication Technology in 2018 from the Alentejo and Ribatejo Regional Tourism Board. Morbase also pioneered the Virtual Archaeology Symposium, a non-profit Iberian initiative that enhances heritage through virtualization.
Specializing in 3D virtual reconstruction of archaeological sites and artifacts, he has led multiple high-profile projects in Portugal and Spain. Since 2020, he has collaborated as a Heritage Research Scientist with Global Digital Heritage, working across the United Arab Emirates, Italy, and the United States. His published scientific works include collaborative papers such as: Maratona de arqueologia virtual no Castro de Monte Mozinho (Penafiel, Portugal); Paço dos Alcaides – Uma Proposta de Reconstrução Virtual; Igreja da Ermida de Santo André do Outeiro: Um exemplo de Arqueologia Virtual para promover a Arqueologia Pública; ou A Antiga Igreja Matriz de Montemor-o-Novo no século XVI – Um Exemplo Manuelino e a sua Reconstrução Virtual.
