Sacred Site Conservation and Preservation

Introduction

Sacred sites are widely considered to be different from other forms of archaeological sites and cultural heritage in that they represent and are imbued with sacred or spiritual values by a religion, the adherents of a specific faith, or a group of people in the past or the present. In that respect, sacred sites are among the world’s most popular visitor attractions (Shackley 2001) while religious heritage in general is estimated to constitute “perhaps the largest single category of heritage property to be found in most countries around the world” (Stovel 2005: 2). Because of their tangible and intangible associations and meanings and their potential active use for religious or other purposes, sacred sites demand particular attention, and their conservation and preservation often requires special treatment and sensitivity.

Definition

The popularity of sacred sites within the wider heritage industry can threaten their physical integrity, impose changes or impact their...