Archeology

We recommend that anyone planning any investment or construction project inquire with the Authority about the archaeological impact before purchasing a plot of land!

In the case of a large investment, archaeological monitoring is mandatory even if the area is not archaeologically affected according to the ERD.

It must be carried out if there is an archaeological site in or near the investment area, but the nature of the site or the size of the construction does not justify a full-surface preliminary excavation. In the case of large-scale investment, regardless of whether the construction affects an archaeological site or not, archaeological monitoring is mandatory by law. Archaeological monitoring covers all construction work phases involving earth disturbance deeper than 30 cm.

In all cases, archaeological observation is prescribed by the Heritage Protection Authority in a position statement, or in the case of a simple notification in a preliminary information. Since archaeological observation must be reported to the Heritage Protection Authority before the start of work (the Museum’s task), a contract for the performance of the task must be concluded with the Museum at least 5 days before the earthworks. In the case of work lasting a few days – such as the construction of family houses – a simplified contract, signed by the client, is sufficient. In the case of archaeological observation, the museum does not take over the work area. The start of work and, if necessary, further visits must be agreed with the archaeologist performing the task.

If the Heritage Protection Authority deems that the investment will endanger or possibly destroy the archaeological site concerned, it will require a full-surface excavation. The cost of the excavation is determined by law and must be borne by the investor in all cases.

The investor concludes a contract with the Museum for the excavation based on the official position. After concluding the contract, the full-surface excavation involves a licensing procedure with the Heritage Protection Authority, which the Museum initiates with the Authority; the client has no obligation to do anything in this regard.

In the case of a full-surface excavation, the museum takes over the area demarcated and designated by the client and in a condition suitable for archaeological work for the duration of the excavation work at the start of the excavation. The schedule of work in the excavation area and the logistical issues arising in connection with the excavation (e.g. location of the earth depot, earth transportation, works taking place in parallel with the archaeological works in the investment area, deposition, etc.) must be determined at the latest when the excavation begins and the work area is taken over.