On October 3, 2026, the Andalusian Minister of Culture, Patricia del Pozo, visited the Archaeological and Ethnological Museum of Córdoba, which will host the upcoming technical conference.
Professionals from museums, universities, and research centers throughout Spain will convene on October 8 and 9 at the Archaeological and Ethnological Museum of Córdoba, managed by the Ministry of Culture, Historical Heritage, and Sports. They will participate in the technical sessions titled 'Treasures in the Museum: Sources for Knowledge,' aimed at exploring the historical, technical, and social value of significant archaeological discoveries, their contribution to understanding cultural heritage, and their dissemination among the public.
These discussions align with the strategic priorities of the Andalusian government regarding the rich cultural heritage housed in its museums and archaeological sites. Patricia del Pozo emphasized the need for these institutions to be "living and open to citizens, promoting the conservation and scientific research of major archaeological findings in Andalusia, as well as fostering knowledge of our history and culture."
The program for these technical sessions, organized by the Archaeological and Ethnological Museum of Córdoba, aims to provide a multidisciplinary perspective on archaeological collections, addressing the history of discoveries and the associated research and conservation processes.
Highlighted topics will include presentations on the Almadenes treasure and testimonies from researchers, key figures, and descendants connected to this finding, offering unique insights into the memory and context of archaeological research. The protection of heritage against looting will also be a central theme, featuring the National Police Corps, which will present its specialized work in this area and showcase the 'Operation Leona' case as an example of cultural asset recovery and protection.
Subaquatic archaeology will receive significant attention with presentations on the Delta I and Delta II shipwrecks in Cádiz, as well as the well-known case of the Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes frigate, one of the most notable episodes related to the recovery and protection of Spain's underwater cultural heritage.
Another session will focus on Visigothic goldsmithing, analyzing the treasures of Torredonjimeno and Guarrazar, along with results from the Au Project. Representatives from museums in Seville, Cádiz, Huelva, and Jaén will also present various archaeological collections of particular importance, including the Tartessian necropolis of La Joya and the Charilla Treasure, contributing to a broad overview of the rich heritage preserved in Andalusia.
The program will also include a section dedicated to Andalusian numismatics, where the Archaeological and Ethnological Museum of Córdoba will present the Haza del Carmen collection, considered the largest known deposit of caliphate silver coins, as well as the Cruz Conde dirhems, both significant for understanding monetary circulation in al-Andalus.
Through this initiative, the Archaeological and Ethnological Museum, managed by the Junta de Andalucía, reinforces its commitment to research, conservation, and dissemination of archaeological heritage. The sessions will facilitate knowledge exchange among specialists from various disciplines and bring the public closer to the advancements and findings related to some of the most significant archaeological collections preserved in Spain.
The sessions will take place in the auditorium of the Territorial Delegation of Culture, Historical Heritage, and Sports of the Junta de Andalucía. Admission will be free and open to the public without prior registration. The program will be held in two sessions: Thursday, October 8, starting at 5:00 PM, and Friday, October 9, from 9:00 AM. Complete information about the program and presentations can be found on the museum's website.
