The protection of archaeological sites is crucial for preserving their authenticity and historical significance. This study evaluates the effectiveness of protective structures implemented at three different sites: Villa dei Misteri in Pompeii, Lepenski Vir in Serbia, and GT1 Göbekli Tepe in Turkey. Our focus extends to iconic landmarks where different types of protective structures and different types of protection were used. Each structure is assessed based on criteria such as preservation of authenticity, physical protection, accessibility and presentation, sustainability, and aesthetic impact.The protective structures at all three sites demonstrate varying degrees of success in the selected criteria. Each structure has its advantages and disadvantages, highlighting the importance of careful design and maintenance to ensure the long-term sustainability of archaeological sites.This study seeks to improve our understanding of the key role played by geometric design, material selection and technological application in the preservation and presentation of cultural heritage on a global scale. By providing insight into successful strategies and potential challenges, the primary goal of this research is to extract valuable knowledge from global practice, for later use on concrete examples.

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