The "renaissance views" project: cultural resource management in the Montefeltro landscape.

Cultural geomorphology is a field wherein a geomorphological approach is applied to the study of objects of cultural heritage. This interdisciplinary approach, which has already produced excellent results in the field of Archaeology, is proving very effective in the study of historical and architectural landscapes and even in the analysis of pictorial representations. The Renaissance Views Project is based on this approach and aims to enhance the natural resources and cultural heritage of Montefeltro through scientific research, towards a cultural resource management of this territory. The idea was born from the discovery of the background landscapes in the works of Piero della Francesca ( Nesci & Borchia, 2008, 2009 ,2010). First, the landscapes in the diptych of the Duchess and Duke of Urbino by Piero della Francesca were studied utilizing geomorphological, cartographic and historical analysis. Then, other paintings by Piero della Francesca found in Valmarecchia region were studied. These studies increase the cultural value of an area already appreciated for its archaeological sites, historical records, ancient buildings, religious beliefs and practices. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a cultural project aimed at tourists by including parallel events of great prestige and potential visibility, such as courses of study, workshops, and collaborations with academic and cultural associations.