Spectacular Heritage: 'Total Restoration' at the Site of Carcassonne

Abstract

This article discusses the rise of the heritage site as spectacular theme park through a case study of Carcassonne in southern France, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site and includes all the trappings of mass European tourism. This medieval town is a meta-site of changing practices in architectural conservation, as it was first subjected to extensive restorations under the direction of Eugéne Viollet-le-Duc in the mid-1800s. It is this history of conservation which assists in making the argument that the phenomenon of the heritage site as spectacle is not only a contemporary transformation, but also has roots in nineteenth century practices. © 2008 Taylor and Francis.