FORTEMARE

Revitalization and promotion of places of culture and other spaces for cultural and social purposes

C1-3.1-37

LP: Università degli studi di Palermo - Dipartimento di Architettura – DARCH - CUP: B83C24006630002

PP2: Autorità di Sistema Portuale del Mare di Sicilia occidentale - Ufficio Politiche Comunitarie, Project Management e Blending Finanziario - CUP: I23B24000030006

PP3: Din l-Art Ħelwa – National Trust of Malta DLH - CUP: G14D24005090007

Istituto Italiano dei Castelli ONLUS; Comune di Agrigento; Associazione dei retinopatici ed ipovedenti di Sicilia ARIS; Associazione culturale “Oltre Vigata”; Comune di Porto Empedocle

The FORTEMARE project addresses the joint challenge of strengthening the coastal tourist identity of Sicily and Malta by integrating seaside and cultural tourism in a sustainable and inclusive way. Its goal is to build an alternative narrative to mass tourism by enhancing marginal areas with high landscape and cultural potential, while improving physical, cognitive, and cultural accessibility to coastal fortified heritage. The project focuses on Palermo, Porto Empedocle, and Malta through replicable case studies. Key outputs include a georeferenced digital map of coastal fortifications, totems, accessible routes, and tactile maps. The cross-border and participatory approach fosters new cultural connections in the Mediterranean, transforming sites from spaces of defense into spaces of connection.

• 1 Promotional video of the trekking route among the fortifications
• 1 Relational map of the two territories
• 1 Shared georeferenced participatory digital platform
• 12 Tactile maps for accessibility
• 8 Informational totems
• 2 Accessible and sustainable routes
• 2 Participatory workshops
• 1 Joint Action Plan

• Adoption of new forms of cultural enjoyment
• Improved shared knowledge between Sicily and Malta
• Development and use of participatory digital tools
• Increased accessibility for people with visual impairments
• Enhanced cultural and physical accessibility of coastal fortified heritage
• Active involvement of local communities
• Integration of local strategies within a cross-border framework
• Increased attractiveness of marginal and underutilized areas
• Creation of replicable solutions for other coastal contexts in the Mediterranean

Zaira Barone

📧 zaira.barone@unipa.it
📞 +39 349 2672786