Our TOURITAGE project team participated in the « Training of Trainers » from September 3-7, 2024, at Università degli Studi di Palermo Palermo – UNIPA, Italy! Tutors from beneficiary universities : AASTMT – NUB – UJ – UNIGB – CCK were trained on planning, implementing, managing, and assessing an Intensive Study Program focused on managing cultural heritage in tourism through the use of innovative technologies.
Day 1 Highlights (Sept 3rd):
- Professors Rossella Corrao & Calogero Vinci gave an insightful presentation on the IHeritage – ICT Platform MED Heritage , covering task management and technicalities in data gathering and heritage site modeling.
- Participants experienced hands-on demonstrations of VR & AR exhibitions, gaining insight into creating similar setups at partner campuses.
- Participants toured the UNESCO Arab-Norman sites of Palermo city center and other sites including Palatina Chapel, S. John of Eremites church, Palermo Cathedral, Cassaro (Vittorio Emanuele street) and Garibaldi Garden (Marina square), exploring the fusion of Western, Islamic, and Byzantine cultures.
Day 2 (September 4th)
- We explored 3D digital tools for documenting archaeological artifacts, with insights from Francesco di Paola, Associate Professor of Drawing at DARCH, University of Palermo.
- Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) tools like HoloLens, Oculus, and Olobox were showcased, demonstrating their potential in transforming heritage experiences.
- Eng. Yuri Alogna shared an exciting session on how gamification and serious games are revolutionizing learning and work in cultural heritage valorization.
- To end the day, we visited the UNESCO Arab-Norman sites of Monreale, including the breathtaking Monreale Cathedral and Cloister.
Visit to stunning Cefalù Cathedral
Our TOURITAGE team had the incredible opportunity to visit the stunning Cefalù Cathedral and its historic city center!
The visit provided rich insights into the cathedral’s history and the significant social, political, and economic changes it has witnessed over the centuries. We learned about the extensive preservation and restoration efforts that have been undertaken to safeguard its heritage, ensuring that it remains accessible to both locals and tourists.
A powerful reminder of the importance of preserving cultural landmarks for future generations!
Final day of TOURITAGE training
On the final day of our TOURITAGE training, we visited the breathtaking Agrigento Temples Valley and Kolymbethra Gardens in Sicily!
Agrigento Temples Valley, one of the finest examples of ancient Greek ruins, offered valuable insights into the role of heritage management and public engagement in benefiting the entire community.
At Kolymbethra Gardens, dating back to the Greek colonization around 500 BC, we explored the historical water system that still nourishes the garden today. Thanks to FAI’s restoration efforts in 1999, the garden’s natural beauty and rich heritage have been revitalized for all to enjoy.
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