The project
Project details
FORTEMARE promotes the enhancement of the fortified coastal heritage of Sicily and Malta through the creation of accessible, sustainable and inclusive cultural itineraries. The project aims to develop a new territorial narrative, alternative to mass tourism, by promoting coastal areas rich in historical, landscape and cultural heritage while strengthening cooperation between the two islands. Activities will mainly take place in Palermo, Porto Empedocle and Malta, involving coastal fortified sites identified as pilot cases for future enhancement and accessibility actions.
Particular attention is dedicated to the physical, cognitive and cultural accessibility of heritage through innovative tools and participatory activities addressed to citizens, tourists, stakeholders and local communities, with the aim of promoting replicable models of sustainable and inclusive tourism in the Mediterranean context. The project also foresees international workshops, walking laboratories, public events and dissemination activities implemented in Sicily and Malta.
The main planned actions include:
- historical-critical and architectural analysis of coastal fortifications;
- collection and digitisation of cartographic and iconographic materials;
- design of cross-border cultural itineraries between Sicily and Malta;
- development of georeferenced digital maps;
- creation of a bilingual participatory digital platform;
- development of three-dimensional models of monuments;
- design of tactile maps, information totems and accessible pathways;
- organisation of workshops, walking laboratories and public events;
- communication, dissemination and community engagement activities;
- promotion of replicable sustainable and inclusive tourism models in the Mediterranean context.
FORTEMARE foresees the development of innovative tools and shared activities to improve the enhancement and accessibility of the fortified coastal heritage of Sicily and Malta, promoting sustainable and inclusive models of cultural enjoyment.
Main expected outputs include:
- 3 reports on historical-critical analysis, iconographic/cartographic collection and diagnostic analysis of coastal fortifications;
- 2 georeferenced digital maps of the cross-border itineraries between Sicily and Malta;
- 1 bilingual participatory digital platform for communication, dissemination and community engagement;
- 4 three-dimensional models of fortified monuments along the itineraries;
- 4 tactile maps for accessible cultural enjoyment of the selected sites;
- 4 information totems installed along the itineraries;
- 2 accessible pathways projects within the selected pilot sites;
- 2 international workshops, one in Sicily and one in Malta;
- 2 walking laboratories focused on landscape accessibility and cultural participation;
- 1 digital guide and dissemination materials dedicated to sustainable tourism;
- public events and communication activities addressed to citizens, tourists, stakeholders and local communities;
- replicable tools and models for sustainable and inclusive tourism in the Mediterranean area.
FORTEMARE will contribute to improving the physical, cognitive and cultural accessibility of the fortified coastal heritage of Sicily and Malta, fostering greater social inclusion and wider access to cultural sites.
The project also aims to strengthen sustainable tourism and promote coastal areas less affected by traditional tourist flows, encouraging replicable models of cultural and territorial cooperation in the Mediterranean. Through digital tools, accessible routes and participatory activities, FORTEMARE seeks to reinforce the cultural connection between Sicily and Malta and promote new opportunities for sustainable local development.
Lead Partner:
University of Palermo – Department of Architecture (DARCH)
PP2:
Port Authority of the Western Sicily Sea
PP3:
Din l-Art Ħelwa – National Trust of Malta
The total project budget amounts to €719,905.70, of which €575,924.56 is financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and €143,981.14 by national co-financing.
Budget allocation among partners:
- University of Palermo – €343,812.04;
- Port Authority of the Western Sicily Sea – €244,189.65;
- Din l-Art Ħelwa – €131,904.00.
FORTEMARE enhances cross-border cooperation between Sicily and Malta through a shared approach to the protection and promotion of Mediterranean fortified coastal heritage.
The project brings together scientific, institutional and operational expertise in the fields of architecture, accessibility, cultural enhancement and sustainable tourism, fostering the development of common tools, shared methodologies and replicable models for inclusive cultural heritage enjoyment.
The cooperation between universities, port authorities and organisations committed to heritage protection also strengthens cultural dialogue between the two islands and promotes a shared vision of sustainable development in the Mediterranean.
Contact person:
Prof. Zaira Barone – Department of Architecture (DARCH), University of Palermo
Email: zaira.barone@unipa.it- Social media pages:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61578307561186 - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fortemare_project/
- 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
