The challenge: To modernise heritage outreach through digital solutions that are accessible to all
Belmonte Town Council
A local organisation dedicated to the management, conservation and promotion, both in terms of tourism and culture, of the heritage of the municipality of Belmonte.
The solution: AR web platform and computer vision for an immersive self-guided tour
Innoarea developed a comprehensive solution based on Web AR technology hosted on web infrastructure, which can be accessed immediately by scanning QR codes affixed to durable plaques at points of interest. The experience combines a heritage tour of the Castle, the Collegiate Church, the Plaza de Correos and the Palace of the Infante Don Juan Manuel, where hyper-realistic historical avatars (such as Juan Pacheco and Fray Luis de León) guide the user and a 360° video recreation of a medieval battle is presented.
In addition, the project incorporates a computer vision module that analyses the physical environment to identify 12 character silhouettes scattered throughout the streets. When the figures are focused on using the mobile phone’s camera, the characters come to life in augmented reality, with animated facial features, and stories narrated by local residents, incorporating audio and subtitles.
Instant access without having to download any mobile apps
Historical figures brought to life through augmented reality
Key locations in the historic centre transformed into interactive multimedia stops
- Smooth operation directly in iOS and Android browsers using web technologies, with no need to download apps
- A system for the visual recognition of physical images to activate animated avatars on urban figures.
- Photorealistic 4K footage of medieval battles featuring real actors for immersive viewing
- Durable outdoor signs featuring interactive QR codes and Braille text to ensure accessibility
Key findings
The roll-out of this augmented reality system has established Belmonte as a leader in smart and sustainable tourism. By eliminating the use of printed leaflets and centralising the experience in a digital format accessible via QR codes, the scheme has succeeded in promoting an eco-friendly model of tourism and drastically reducing waste generation.
Furthermore, the combination of an accessible narrative featuring local voices and the spectacular nature of the 360° content has significantly increased the length of time visitors spend in the municipality and their interaction with historic sites. The Town Council also has a modular and scalable platform, ready to incorporate new points of interest in the future.
