For centuries, built religious heritage has played an essential role in shaping social, economic, environmental and cultural values. Caves, hermitage settlements, chapels, monasteries, convents, churches and cathedrals have entered into dialogue with their surroundings, whether in mountainous or lonely locations, fertile valleys, peripheral or urban centres. Today, the memory of these places is tending to fade and disappear. The secularisation of many convents, churches or monasteries, as well as the abandonment or scant usage of others, has led to the loss of a series of valuable material assets. These specific buildings and landscapes therefore need to be rethought in the light of contemporary challenges.

The 4th International Conference “Architectures of the Soul. Religious Heritage: understanding the past, shaping the future” aims to promote scientific study and discussion around architecture and landscape linked to religious and spiritual practices, based on experiences of seclusion and solitude.

This event, taking place between 19 and 21 October 2023, is hosted by the Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória (Batalha Municipal Council, Portugal), recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, exactly 40 years ago.

In order to understand the historical and current values of these places and how they can shape the future, this conference is structured around two main themes:  

1. History of religious experience;

2. The future of religious heritage.

Call for abstracts

Abstracts cannot exceed 300 words, must be written in English and submitted before 31 March 2023, along with a brief biography of up to 200 words. Each abstract must include: context, objective, methodology, results, conclusions and five keywords. Otherwise, the abstract will not be considered.

After the conference, a call for papers will be opened. Selected papers, through a double-blind peer-review process will be published in an international ISBN book publication and/or special issue(s) in indexed scientific journals.

Organization: DINÂMIA’CET-Iscte – ISCTE-IUL; IEM – NOVA FCSH; CHAIA – UÉ; UCP – CEHR; Monastery of Batalha – DGPC

Coordination: Rolando Volzone, Joaquim Ruivo and João Luís Fontes

Support:
Centro Studi Cherubino Ghirardacci, CEPAE, ESACH, Batalha Municipal Council

Media Partners:
Pedra&Cal, Thema, European Heritage Tribune