- The Municipality is splashing cash to jazz up the Venetian Walls of Heraklion. History meets tech here.
- Expect apps with games, augmented reality, maps, and video walk-throughs. Super fun/super nerdy.
Big Promises or Just Another Municipal Gimmick?
Heraklion’s mayor, Alex Kalokairinos, just signed off on two projects to revamp the ground-level section of the famous Venetian Walls of Heraklion. And if you’re rolling your eyes at yet another infrastructure project, hold on—this one might actually be worth your time. With the deputy mayor of technical infrastructure and sustainable mobility, George Sisamakis, lurking nearby, pens were put to paper, claiming a brighter future for these historic fortifications.
So what are we getting here besides yet another ribbon-cutting ceremony? Two big plans:
- A new digital experience package: Think apps, games, and augmented reality (geek alert).
- A complete signage overhaul: Let’s face it: Those old walls demand more than just faded name signs, so a total signage upgrade is justified.
Breaking Down the Tech Talk
Here is a summary of their ambitious—and most undoubtedly costly—plans:
- A digital overhaul with smartphone virtual tours and instructional games.
- Adding 3D and augmented reality features for people who think history should pop out at them through their screens.
- Digitized maps, including—get this—Venetian tile floor markers at 35 points of interest. Is GPS not your thing? Don’t worry. There will be printed materials, too, because not everyone wants to swipe left on history.
- Videos stressing Heraklion’s transforming past and the background of every gate. Free documentaries, anyone?
Though fancy apps are amazing, wait; it gets better! You are surrounded by a whole network of signs. Big in specifics, this covers all the geeky elements, including historical information, panoramic vistas, directions, and even lighthearted orientational boards. That’s right—everything you didn’t know you wanted to know about ancient walls.
Does This Matter?
You might wonder, “Why are we dumping resources into centuries-old walls?” That’s a good question. Kalokairinos has the answer. According to him, these walls aren’t just some forgotten relics. They’re part of Heraklion’s core cultural identity. He says it’s about making things accessible and basically cool for both locals and visitors, not only about preservation.
Said another way, the project’s vision is “multifaceted.” (Fancy way of stating, “We’re literally throwing everything at the wall.”) Hence, here is what he promises:
- Historical engagement, not just for history buffs but also for kids (thanks to those games).
- A one-stop resource combining physical and digital experiences.
- Making everything fun—it’s culture but with a side of excitement.
Kalokairinos hopes this won’t just preserve the wall but actually give locals and tourists a reason to care about it. And honestly, something this monumental to Heraklion deserves more than just a passing glance.
One thing’s sure: getting all this done won’t be a small feat. These contracts fall under the locally grandiose-sounding program “Crete 2021–2027,” which sounds like someone’s plan to make this initiative a never-ending saga. Will it deliver or tank harder than a “coming soon” video game? Watch this space.
