The Braga City Council and the University of Minho are promoting the International Congress of Urban Archaeology. What Future?, which will take place in Braga from September 18th to 20th. This initiative aims to commemorate 50 years of urban archaeology in Braga, which will be celebrated in 2026. This event justified the holding of the 1st Urban Archaeology Meeting in this city, held in 1994 and promoted by the Municipality.

As the title suggests, the event aims to serve as a space for reflection and debate on the future of urban archaeology, given the profound changes that have occurred since the 1970s, when this type of archaeology developed in most European countries. Considering the relevance of the heritage of historic European cities as an element of identity and citizenship, we recognize the need to deepen reflection on the future of urban archaeological activity, in its various dimensions of management, research, and the present and future valorization of data and remains. To this end, the event is organized around four thematic blocks, relating to legislation and management practices; methodological practices for the preservation, protection, and recording of archaeological sites; the management and archiving of data provided by excavations; and the future of the valorization of the history and memory of cities—that is, the narratives and heritage enhanced by urban archaeology.

The scientific program takes place from September 18th to 19th, organized into thematic conferences led by a group of national and international researchers and heritage managers, chosen for their recognized and diverse experience. These conferences will be followed by discussions with invited speakers and public participation. The 20th will be reserved for visits to archaeological sites in Braga.