The Historical Evolution of the Role of Vegetation in the Enhancement and Conservation of Archaeological Sites: A Landscape Architecture Perspective Focused Mainly on Cases from Italy and Greece

TL;DR

This paper explores how vegetation has been used over time to enhance and protect archaeological sites, focusing on examples from Italy and Greece.

Contribution

It provides a historical and landscape architecture perspective on vegetation's role in archaeological site conservation.

Findings

Vegetation can reconstruct lost architectural forms and enhance visitor engagement at heritage sites.

Case studies show how vegetation supports both aesthetic and ecological functions in archaeological contexts.

Challenges include balancing historical authenticity with ecological performance in site design.

Abstract

Vegetation plays a multifaceted role in the enhancement and conservation of archaeological sites, functioning not only as an aesthetic element but also as a core component of landscape architecture practice. This review traces the historical evolution of vegetation management, though the lens of landscape architecture, highlighting its potential as a design and planning tool for historical interpretation and sustainable integration of heritage sites into broader contexts. From Romantic landscaping ideals to modern interdisciplinary conservation frameworks, the review draws on key milestones such as the Athens and Venice Charters, and examines case studies like Rome’s Passeggiata Archeologica, the Acropolis slopes, Ruffenhofen Park, and Campo Lameiro. These examples illustrate how landscape architectural approaches can use vegetation to reconstruct lost architectural forms, enhance visitor engagement, and provide ecosystem functions. The article also addresses challenges related to historical authenticity, species selection, and ecological performance, arguing for future strategies that integrate archaeological sites into dynamic, living heritage systems, through collaborative, ecologically informed design.