Innova Società Cooperativa – Milazzo Accessibility Experience (MAX) – Making Heritage and Attractions Inclusive for all

Challenge: Milazzo: How can tourist attractions be made accessible for all?

Target Group: People with disabilities

The “Milazzo Accessibility Experience (MAX) – Heritage and Attractions Inclusive for All” pilot, developed within the European CommuniCity initiative, aims to make the Castle of Milazzo fully accessible, both physically and digitally. Promoted by the Municipality of Milazzo and implemented by Innova, the pilot focused on enhancing cultural inclusion for marginalised groups, particularly individuals with motor or sensory disabilities.

The project’s core objective was to develop an interactive virtual tour of the Castle using ArViTech technology, enriched with multimedia content and designed to be accessible remotely via smartphones, PCs, and immersive headsets. Co-creation activities played a key role, involving local communities and stakeholders in on-site sessions to gather stories, historical knowledge, and feedback. On average, 10 people participated in each of the four co-creation sessions at Castello di Milazzo, 6 of whom were representative of the marginalised group in question. These inputs were essential in shaping the content and ensuring cultural relevance and accessibility.

The resulting virtual tour reflects community perspectives and provides a meaningful, inclusive experience for diverse users, including residents, students, and tourists. The pilot reached full technological maturity (TRL 9) and is now live online.

Next steps include the integration of multilingual interactive avatars to guide users through the heritage site, further enhancing accessibility and engagement. The pilot serves as a replicable model for inclusive digital cultural experiences in other European cities.