Project Launched in Motovun: Protecting Cultural Heritage in the Age of AI
18/03/2026
The small scale cross-border project Castlechain (Fortified Original Roots for Tourism and Innovation in Sustainable Heritage) was officially launched in Motovun with a kick-off meeting that brought together representatives of all project partners on the 25th and 26th of Febrruary. The Mayor of Motovun, Tomislav Pahović welcomed participants and underlined the strategic importance of the initiative for the municipality and the wider region. During the session, partners reviewed the project framework, governance structure, communication approach, and key implementation steps, established the Steering Committee and confirming the first set of operational and communication documents that will guide project delivery.
The launch marks the beginning of an 18-month strategic collaboration under the Interreg Italy–Croatia Programme 2021–2027, with the Municipality of Motovun acting as Lead Partner. Alongside the Municipality of Motovun and the Motovun Tourist Board, partners include the Municipality of Acquaviva Picena (Italy) and the SME G.A.L.E.E. Sibilline.
At its core, Castlechain addresses a growing challenge: safeguarding the authenticity, identity, and cultural integrity of historic towns in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and mass digital content production. The project responds to risks such as simplification, distortion, or misuse of cultural heritage in digital environments, particularly within mass tourism and AI-generated narratives.
A central innovation of the project is the development of the “Proof of Culture” system. By leveraging blockchain technology as a transparent and secure digital ledger, Castlechain introduces a new approach to cultural certification. Each piece of content produced within the project—whether a podcast, digitised medieval document, or thematic tourist itinerary—will receive a verifiable digital signature. This ensures full traceability of sources and guarantees the authenticity of information, protecting local heritage from misleading representations.
During the kick-off meeting, mayors Tomislav Pahović (Motovun) and Sante Infriccioli (Acquaviva Picena), together with their teams, emphasised that the strength of the project lies in integrating public governance with experience-driven tourism development. The objective is not simply to increase visitor numbers, but to foster a more conscious form of tourism—one that seeks meaningful and authentic connections with local territories.
Beyond technological solutions, the project will develop joint thematic itineraries co-created with local communities, recognising them as key custodians of cultural traditions. By 31 July 2027, Castlechain aims to establish a new development model in which digital innovation supports, rather than overrides, local identity.
In this context, small butique destinations such as Motovun and Aquaviva Picena position themselves at the forefront of European innovation, demonstrating that even the oldest historic centres can effectively engage with advanced technologies while preserving their uniqueness and credibility.
