This paper, included in the Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Heritage and Sustainable Development, discusses the lack of systematised data on cultural heritage valorization in Portugal, particularly the absence of official statistic data to assess the impact of public strategies on public access and visitors to National Monuments (NM).
Heritage classification is highlighted as a crucial legal process in Portugal for recognizing and protecting monuments of national significance. The study conducted by the Portuguese Observatory on Cultural Activities (OPAC) sheds light on cultural heritage valorization and public access to NM in Portugal, emphasising the necessity of analytical data to support heritage valorization processes.
The methodology of the study involved a quantitative approach, utilising a web survey on a sample of 179 National Monuments, complemented by exploratory interviews with site managers and employees. Various dimensions of public access, including visitors, staff, activities, and management, were explored. The research revealed that most NM are managed by affectation entities, with some directly managed by their owners or other management entities, both private and public.
Furthermore, the study identified that a significant percentage of NM have undergone beneficiation works in the last 10 years, indicating efforts towards preserving and enhancing these cultural assets. Additionally, a considerable number of NM have museums or interpretation units on their premises, contributing to a broader visitor experience.
Overall, the paper underscores the importance of producing comprehensive data to inform and evaluate public strategies related to cultural heritage valorization and public access to National Monuments in Portugal. The findings provide valuable insights into the roles, management structures, and visitor access patterns of NM, highlighting the need for continued research and data collection in this field.
