Cross-Border Symposium "Smart Heritage Governance" in Aquaviva Picena
The Cross-Border Symposium “Smart Heritage Governance” will take place on 2 July 2026, from 16:00 to 21:00, at the Auditorium Banca del Piceno, Via Boreale, Acquaviva Picena, as part of the Interreg Italy–Croatia Programme 2021–2027 small-scale project CASTLECHAIN. Hosted by the Municipality of Acquaviva Picena, the event is organised in cooperation with the project partners.
Bringing together experts, public authorities and tourism stakeholders from across the Italy–Croatia cross-border area, the symposium will focus on the future of fortified medieval sites as living heritage destinations. The discussion will address how cultural heritage can be protected, interpreted and activated through sustainable tourism models, participatory governance and stronger links between conservation, local identity and community life.
Particular attention will be given to the role of historical narratives, archaeological and cultural interpretation, heritage management, storytelling, accessibility and inclusion in shaping authentic visitor experiences and long-term heritage value. The programme will also explore how innovative tools, including blockchain-based approaches and the CASTLECHAIN “Proof of Culture” framework, can support the protection of heritage, authenticity, traceability and local identity within contemporary cultural tourism development.
Through the presentation of the Acquaviva Picena and Motovun cases, as well as a final joint discussion on future cross-border solutions, the symposium will open space for exchange on governance models for fortified sites, sustainable valorisation of cultural heritage and new forms of cooperation between institutions, experts and local tourism actors. The full event programme is available at the following link:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xc8IinLokqb-a6vn4tkdt6zfy8PL3vXr/view?usp=sharing
