A visualization system based on Wikidata for supporting and monitoring the Wiki Loves Monuments Italian contest

This paper presents the Wiki Loves Monuments Observatory, a data-driven platform designed to support and monitor the Italian edition of the Wiki Loves Monuments contest through Wikidata and Wikimedia Commons. The system includes a backend for automated data collection and a user interface that enables exploration, coordination, and reporting at multiple administrative levels. Developed through a participatory design process, the tool supports contest organisation, volunteer engagement, and cultural heritage documentation. Reflections highlight the challenges of involving a heterogeneous volunteer community and the need to expand co-design practices. The system offers a replicable model for integrating open data and community-driven design within Wikimedia ecosystems.