The iHERITAGE project, is reaching its pinnacle of success. This ambitious initiative, co-financed by European Union through the ENI CBC Mediterranean Sea Basin Programme, and spearheaded by the Department of Tourism of the Sicilian Region, has seen fruitful collaboration between five Mediterranean countries: Italy, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Portugal, and Spain.

One of the main highlights of this innovative endeavor is the incorporation of advanced technology to enhance the visitor experience at various UNESCO sites. Augmented reality, holographic exhibitions, virtual rooms, and 3D reconstructions are just some of the state-of-the-art tools that have been employed to enrich the cultural immersion at iconic locations such as the Arab-Norman Palermo, the Cathedral Churches of Cefalù and Monreale, the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, Petra in Jordan, Byblos in Lebanon, and Alhambra in Spain.

Moreover, the project has extended its digital embrace to the promotion of Mediterranean culinary traditions by developing augmented and immersive reality applications that showcase products fundamental to the Mediterranean Diet, particularly those made in Sicily and Portugal. Furthermore, the iHERITAGE project has taken a groundbreaking step in creating the Register of Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Mediterranean Countries (REIM), a comprehensive online catalog featuring over 260 elements from the six participating nations.

At the latest press conference held in the Sala Lanza of the Botanical Garden of Palermo, representatives from the six countries involved in the project unveiled the remarkable results achieved through the utilization of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality technologies to accentuate the value of UNESCO sites.

One of the most exciting aspects of the project is the launch of a holographic exhibition titled "Palermo Norman Treasure." This exhibition, taking place at the Department of Architecture of the University of Palermo, offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the Arab-Norman Itinerary in Palermo using Oculus technology. The virtual reconstruction of iconic buildings, including the Zisa, the Cuba, and the Cameluco of Constance, preserved in the treasury of the Cathedral of Palermo, is a mesmerizing experience that transcends physical limitations.

"This exhibition, taking place at the Department of Architecture of the University of Palermo, offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the Arab-Norman Itinerary in Palermo using Oculus technology. The virtual reconstruction of iconic buildings, including the Zisa, the Cuba, and the Cameluco of Constance, preserved in the treasury of the Cathedral of Palermo, is a mesmerizing experience that transcends physical limitations. The virtual tour is an experience dedicated to all visitors, including those with mobility impairments or conditions such as claustrophobia or vertigo. With this virtual tour, everyone can explore the Jesuit Qanats and enjoy panoramic views from the roofs of the Palermo Cathedral"

Professor Rossella Corrao, the Project Coordinator of the Department of Architecture at the University of Palermo

"The commitment of the regional tourism department as the lead partner of the project is particularly significant because it aims to foster friendship between the populations of the Mediterranean basin. We have also strived to find innovative, common solutions for the digitalization of tourist itineraries in each participating country, ensuring that they are usable, sustainable, and inclusive."

Elvira Amata, Regional Council Member for Tourism

"iHERITAGE has created new augmented, immersive, virtual, and mixed reality applications that use common standards and transform the way we experience some of the most important UNESCO sites in the Mediterranean. iHERITAGE has also created the first Register of Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Mediterranean countries, the REIM, already available online, which includes over 260 elements from the six countries of the project. This project, I believe, is pioneering and has the potential to stimulate the birth of many other initiatives that could change our approach to cultural and archaeological heritage and kindle greater curiosity among young people. The challenge is to create an ecosystem of the Mediterranean creative industry applied to the valorization of cultural heritage."

Lucio Tambuzzo, Project Creator and Coordinator of the Network Of Castles and Medieval Towns

With the upcoming successful conclusion of the iHERITAGE project, the Mediterranean region is now poised to offer a cutting-edge and immersive cultural experience, transcending boundaries and bringing the rich heritage of the region to an even wider global audience. Visitors and enthusiasts of history and culture are invited to explore these remarkable innovations, ensuring that the legacy of the Mediterranean is preserved and celebrated for generations to come. In a heartwarming testament to the project's success, the diverse team of individuals from different Mediterranean countries has evolved into a close-knit family over the course of the iHERITAGE project, whose collaborative spirit and shared dedication have been instrumental in achieving the project's goals.