Transforming a Controversial Heritage: The Case of the Fascist Victory Monument in South Tyrol

Abstract

Using a Fascist monument in South Tyrol, Northern Italy as a case study, this paper investigates the role of monuments in managing and negotiating interpretations of the past in culturally heterogeneous societies. It explores approaches to overcoming the exclusionary potential of cultural heritage, reframing it in more inclusive, pluralist terms. It provides an in-depth analysis of a dialogical, pluralistic approach to heritage, which allows divergent, even contrary, interpretations of the past to coexist. Thus, the paper sheds light on how monuments (re)construct and contest memory and history. It provides insights into constructive ways of engaging with a controversial heritage in multiethnic societies. Keywords: cultural heritage; fascism; memory; monuments; reconciliation; South Tyrol; multiethnic societies DOI: 10.14712/23363231.2018.1