About
Small municipalities in the Adriatic hinterland, though rich in medieval and fortified heritage, often remain marginalised by coastal-centric tourism and fragmented governance. CASTLECHAIN addresses these structural challenges by developing a participatory model to valorise inland cultural assets. By empowering local authorities, SMEs, and youth, the project aims to transform underutilised heritage sites into multidisciplinary hubs for sustainable social and economic development.
The project introduces the innovative "Proof of Culture" system, a blockchain-based protocol that ensures the authenticity, traceability, and permanence of digital heritage assets. This technology is integrated into a comprehensive digital toolkit that features accessibility guidelines and the "PodCastle" multilingual platform. These tools allow for the creation of secure digital archives and immersive narratives, providing a transparent and verifiable record of local cultural history.
Through joint symposia and co-design workshops, CASTLECHAIN fosters a shared governance model between Italy and Croatia. This cross-border approach is essential to tackle shared issues such as depopulation and seasonality. The result is a replicable blueprint for digital trust and community-driven stewardship, ensuring that medieval heritage becomes a driver for inclusive, year-round tourism.
