Village in Cyprus goes digital to promote its cultural heritage
The UNESCO Chair on Digital Cultural Heritage at Cyprus University of Technology has officially handed over an online platform(opens in new window) dedicated to the holistic digitisation of Fikardou to its community. The platform will be used to record the community’s memory and tangible heritage so as to enhance tourists and researchers’ understanding and appreciation of the importance of this village. Fundamental support in the e-Fikardou platform’s set-up, design, implementation and management was provided by the EU-funded TExTOUR(opens in new window), MNEMOSYNE(opens in new window) and IMPACTOUR(opens in new window) projects. The platform’s development was also made possible through the contribution of the EUreka3D(opens in new window) project funded under the EU’s Digital Europe Programme, and with knowledge gained from the EU’s VIGIE 2020/654 ‘Study on quality in 3D digitisation of tangible cultural heritage’(opens in new window). Located on the south-eastern slopes of Cyprus’ Troodos Mountains, about 40 km south-west of Nicosia, Fikardou is a village that has preserved its traditional mediaeval characteristics. The village is on the Tentative List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites(opens in new window) and has been declared an ancient monument by Cyprus’ Department of Antiquities.
Boosting sustainable tourism
To address the problem of the village’s declining population, the Fikardou community joined forces with MNEMOSYNE project coordinator and TExTOUR and IMPACTOUR project partner Cyprus University of Technology. As reported in an article(opens in new window) posted on ‘Stockwatch’, this partnership was formed “to explore how new innovations in cultural heritage tourism and documentation could help boost sustainable tourism to this hidden gem of Cypriot heritage.” The e-Fikardou platform provides a comprehensive digital portrayal of the village’s rich history, mediaeval architecture, local traditions and culture. Fikardou’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage is presented through virtual tours of the village, an e-book on its history, an interactive space for learning about Fikardou’s historical monuments, and a page providing information on its cycling and hiking trails. Videos of exclusive interviews can be found in the ‘Voices of Fikardou’ section, where locals share personal stories and insights, offering their unique perspective on the village, its history and its cultural heritage. The community’s goal is clearly outlined(opens in new window) on the platform: “Our mission is to preserve and showcase the rich cultural heritage of Fikardou in a way that is accessible to all. We believe that by creating a comprehensive digital representation of the village, we can not only educate people about its historical significance but also inspire them to engage with and preserve cultural heritage sites in their own communities.” MNEMOSYNE (EU ERA Chair in Digital Cultural Heritage: Mnemosyne) and IMPACTOUR (IMproving Sustainable Development Policies and PrActices to assess, diversify and foster Cultural TOURism in European regions and areas) ended in 2023. TExTOUR (Social Innovation and TEchnologies for sustainable growth through participative cultural TOURism) ends in September 2024. For more information, please see: TExTOUR project website(opens in new window) MNEMOSYNE project website(opens in new window) IMPACTOUR project website(opens in new window)
