This is the story of two lives, two separate stories that intertwine to create a wonderful tale of discovery and passion for history and heritage.
Maximilian, a young man with dreams of becoming a journalist, and Elisa, a curious eight-year-old girl, live in Cagliari, Sardinia, and share a deep interest in the history and hidden treasures of their city.
Through the Open Monuments project, Maximilian and his friends open the crypt of Santa Restituta, starting a movement to reveal the buried beauty of the city. Meanwhile, Elisa immerses herself in the history of St. Michael’s Castle, inspired by her daily view from the car window.
As the project grows, involving schools, associations and volunteers, both protagonists become part of an epic adventure to rediscover and enhance Cagliari’s cultural heritage.
Through hard work and dedication, previously closed monuments become accessible to all, bringing joy and wonder to thousands of people. And as the project expands, transforming into a driving force for the enhancement of cultural heritage throughout Italy, Maximilian and Elisa’s lives are forever changed.
Maximilian, once an ambitious young man, is now witnessing the success of his youthful dream. Elisa, once a curious child, grew up to become a passionate scholar of art history, influenced by the experience of Open Monuments.
Together, Maximilian and Elisa represent the power of passion and determination to change the world and preserve our history for future generations. Through their commitment and love of culture, they have turned a simple idea into a cultural revolution that has touched the hearts of thousands of people and left an indelible imprint on their community and the lives of those involved.
In March 2024, European Heritage Days opened the sixth European Heritage Days Call for Stories-an opportunity to share our heritage treasures with other communities in Europe.
We answered the call, telling OUR story so that we could share it with the whole community.
