Fondazione Isola del Romanico Sardegna is pleased to present an innovative initiative that will revolutionise the experience of visiting Sardinian Romanesque monuments. Aware of the challenges related to internet connectivity in some areas of the island, we have developed a state-of-the-art solution to ensure that all visitors have full and detailed access to information about our precious historical sites.
In order to ensure an effective information system for the visitor even in the absence of an Internet signal, we implemented an alternative technological connection system, capable of providing the same level of accessibility to information and a virtual tour of the monuments. This was achieved through the implementation of an innovative information system based on 'beacon' technology.
Beacons are small hardware devices that use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology to transmit radio signals to smartphones in their vicinity. This technology allows us to provide a virtual guided tour directly on the visitor's smartphone, even in the absence of an internet signal. The installation of beacons is planned in each Romanesque monument that has joined the Sardinian network, thus creating a capillary network of digital information points.
The signals emitted by the beacons are interpreted by a dedicated mobile application, called 'Sardegna Romanica', which visitors can download and install on their smartphones in advance. This integrated beacon-app system makes it possible to greatly enrich the experience of visiting the monuments, making each stage of the route an opportunity for learning and discovery.
Through the 'Romanesque Sardinia' app, visitors will receive a wealth of detailed information on their device. This includes historical news, architectural insights, religious curiosities and landscape descriptions, all available in different languages to accommodate an international audience. The aim is to offer an immersive and personalised experience, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the beauty and significance of each individual monument.
The accessibility system not only provides information, but also plays a crucial role in the collection of statistical data. It records attendance at each site, providing valuable information on tourist flows. This data includes the number of visitors to the different churches, the time spent visiting each monument and any subsequent visits to other churches on the itinerary.
This data collection will allow us to catalogue a series of fundamental information to better understand the tourist flows that, over the course of the year, will pass through our Romanesque Itinerary. By analysing this data, we will be able to optimise the tourist offer, adapting it to the needs and preferences of visitors. It will also allow us to better understand the integration between Romanesque sites and other tourist services offered by the surrounding area, thus promoting sustainable and integrated tourism development.
The beacon initiative represents a significant step towards the digitisation and accessibility of the Sardinian cultural heritage. It not only facilitates the enjoyment of Romanesque monuments, but also contributes to their preservation, promoting conscious and respectful tourism. We invite all visitors to download the "Sardegna Romanica" app before embarking on their journey of discovery of Sardinian Romanesque architecture, to enjoy a unique and enriching experience, perfectly adapted to the digital age.
