Italia-Croatia

08/09/2026

The ARCHAEODIGIT project (ARChaeological DIGITal Paths for an Inclusive and Sustainable Tourism) is pleased to announce the official launch of its Joint Pilot Action at the archaeological site of Fulfinum Mirine, located in the Municipality of Omišalj on the island of Krk (Croatia).

This initiative represents a significant milestone in the project’s implementation phase and a concrete step forward in testing and validating innovative digital and phygital solutions aimed at enhancing the accessibility, interpretation, and overall visitor experience of archaeological heritage sites across the Adriatic area.

Developed in close collaboration with the Municipality of Omišalj, the Pilot Action is embedded within the broader ARCHAEODIGIT strategy to promote more inclusive, sustainable, and engaging forms of cultural tourism through digital innovation. The intervention at the Archaeological Site of Fulfinum Mirine is conceived as a living laboratory where new approaches to heritage communication can be tested in real contexts, involving different types of users and addressing diverse visitor needs.

Objectives of the Pilot Action

The Joint Pilot Action has been designed around three main objectives:

• It aims to ensure continuous and improved access to information for independent visitors, particularly during the low season when the Early Christian Basilica is not accessible to the public. In this way, the project seeks to guarantee year-round usability of the site, regardless of physical opening conditions.
• It works to strengthen the connection between the archaeological site and the artefacts discovered in the area, many of which are currently preserved in regional museum collections and are rarely displayed to the public. By re-establishing this link, the Pilot Action contributes to a more complete and meaningful interpretation of the site.
• It focuses on providing engaging, educational, and interactive experiences for school groups and younger audiences, recognising their key role in ensuring long-term awareness and appreciation of cultural heritage.

Three Integrated Digital and Phygital Solutions

To achieve these objectives, the Pilot Action introduces three complementary components that combine digital technologies with on-site interaction:

The first component is an interactive outdoor totem, installed in front of the Early Christian Basilica, the most iconic structure of the archaeological site. The weatherproof 55” touchscreen kiosk serves as a multilingual digital gateway (Italian, Croatian, and English), offering visitors access to an interactive archaeological map, educational content, serious mini-games, and a virtual exhibition. Designed for durability and ease of use, the totem ensures that essential interpretative content remains available throughout the year, including during periods when the Basilica is closed.

The second component is a phygital educational “Knowledge Battle”, specifically developed for school groups and families. This large-format experience combines a physical, custom-designed game board with tablet-based digital gameplay. Participants work in teams to progress through the game by answering questions and completing challenges related to the history, archaeology, and cultural significance of Fulfinum Mirine. The use of trivia, visual puzzles, and interactive tasks transforms learning into an active and collaborative experience, encouraging engagement through play.

The third and most advanced component is a virtual 3D exhibition dedicated to twenty key artefacts excavated at Fulfinum Mirine. These objects, currently preserved in museum storage and largely inaccessible to the public, are digitally reconstructed and presented through an immersive virtual environment. Developed with the scientific contribution of museum curators and supported by professional storytelling expertise, the exhibition is accessible both on-site via the interactive totem and remotely through desktop and virtual reality interfaces. A guided voice-over narrative further enriches the interpretative experience.

A New Approach to Heritage Interpretation

Through the integration of these three components, the Joint Pilot Action at Fulfinum Mirine explores new ways of interpreting and communicating archaeological heritage. By combining digital storytelling, immersive technologies, and participatory learning methods, the initiative enhances the relationship between visitors and cultural heritage in a more dynamic and meaningful way.
Importantly, the Pilot Action also contributes to strengthening the dialogue between archaeological research, museum collections, and the public. By digitally reconnecting artefacts with their original context, it allows for a more holistic understanding of the site and its historical significance.