ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the rapid transformation of Empries from an under interpreted archaeological site on the Costa Brava to a popular, visitor orientated archaeological park. It discusses the administrative history of the site, recent administrative developments, the philosophy behind the change programme and the importance of the site's autonomous nature during its development. The chapter describes how Empries functions today and the visitors who come to the site before concluding with a discussion of the social dimensions of archaeological activity. It considers that archaeological, or any other actions, affecting the cultural heritage are a part of a series of cultural transfer processes aimed at society as a whole. The high value of archaeology as a generator of culture and enhanced quality of life, and as a factor in regional development, goes hand-in-hand with traditional values of identity, social cohesion and collective memory. Archaeology helps to tell the story of peoples.
