Guided tours and educational workshops

1. What to expect from guided tours and educational workshops

The Cagliari State Archives offers guided tours and educational workshop activities for groups, schools and other audiences. The aim is to make its documentary heritage accessible and understandable, and to foster knowledge of history and archival methods.
These activities are not simply walks through the premises, but genuine learning experiences. They lead participants to discover documents, registers, maps and archival holdings, placing them in the context of the history of the institution and the local area.

2. Guided tours

Guided tours are led by qualified Archive staff or cultural mediators, who explain the following:

• the structure and purpose of the archival institution;
• the meaning and value of documentary sources;
• examples of significant documents, together with how they are preserved and consulted.

Guided tours may be organised for:

• school groups of different ages;
• associations and cultural groups;
• individual enthusiasts on special opening days.

They encourage direct contact with the sources and help visitors understand the role of archives in preserving historical memory and supporting research.

3. Educational workshops

Educational workshops are designed to encourage active learning through experiences of research, interpretation and the use of sources.
They may include:

• guided reading of documents;
• exercises in creating simple research pathways;
• group activities that combine historical and methodological content.

In similar educational settings at other archival and cultural institutions, workshops often combine the study of original materials with themed discussions and short practical activities, creating a meaningful and engaging learning experience.

4. Educational and cultural purposes

Guided tours and educational workshops are not limited to the simple presentation of documents: they have a broader educational value, aimed at:

• helping visitors understand the value of documentary sources as tools for learning about history;
• developing critical skills in the analysis of historical materials;
• introducing young people to archival heritage in an active and participatory way;
• promoting civic awareness of the role of memory and cultural institutions.

5. Modes of participation

Participation in guided tours and educational workshops may take place through:

• direct booking for groups and schools;
• participation in public events and special openings;
• specific requests for themed activities.

Booking and registration methods are indicated in the Archive’s dedicated contacts or notices section.

6. Useful links