The Institute of Computer Science of the Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas successfully implemented and delivered to the Municipality of Heraklion the Project “Interactive Heraklion (digital applications for the promotion of the sustainable urban development intervention area)”. In the framework of the Project innovative applications were developed, which give users the opportunity to access digital content related to the history, culture and lifestyle of the city of Heraklion in four (4) alternative ways (a) on-site; (b) remotely, at events and exhibitions; (c) via the web, using desktop and mobile devices; and (d) through the existing information and tourism promotion infrastructure of the Municipality. The applications were designed and implemented to be elegant, functional, and user-friendly, while at the same time maintaining user engagement.
Specifically, the following six (6) applications were developed:
- Project Website: Promotion of five (5) cultural routes in the city of Heraklion and the corresponding points of interest through 360° videos produced in the framework of the Project. All information is available at the following link https://heraklion360.eu/.
- Navigation in the city of Heraklion in a 360o environment: An application that presents 360° content through virtual reality (VR) headsets, as well as through mobile devices placed in Cardboards. The application enables visitors of exhibitions or events organized by the Municipality of Heraklion to navigate selected locations of the city of Heraklion, in comparison with the depiction of the city as it appeared in 1640.
- Navigation in the city of Heraklion using smart portable devices: An application aimed at highlighting the monuments and cultural points of interest that shape the historical identity of the city, utilizing augmented reality (AR) technologies to enhance visitor engagement and encourage active participation in the guided touring experience.
- VR Treasure Hunt: An interactive treasure hunt game, where the user is called to navigate freely in a virtual environment and solve a number of riddles related to history, cultural heritage, events (e.g., periodical exhibitions), monuments, morals and customs of the Heraklion city. The purpose is to highlight the selected 360o routes, as well as to connect them in such a way as to stimulate the user’s interest in extracting historical data related to the city.
- Stories from the city of Heraklion in a Virtual Reality (VR) environment: Through the application, users have the opportunity to travel through space and time, since within the virtual reality environment they are able to learn about the history of the city of Heraklion by moving freely in selected 3D set ups. It is not only a playful, but also an educational application that offers a realistic visualization of 3D spaces and monuments, accompanied by original storytelling drawn mainly from the past of the city of Heraklion.
- Heraklion City Augmented Reality (AR): The augmented reality application enriches a large-scale model of the city using a mixed reality headset. Users can navigate routes and points of cultural interest, experiencing an interactive exploration of the city. The application is available to the general public through the Info Point, Tourism Office and international exhibitions and events organized by the Municipality of Heraklion.
In the framework of the Project, the following activities were additionally carried out:
- Digitization of 3D Models: Fourteen (14) three-dimensional objects were scanned using specialized, state-of-the-art equipment. The resulting models were further processed to enable their 3D visualization within the applications developed for the project.
- Creation of Virtual Characters: Two (2) digital 3D characters were created serving as virtual guides for the city of Heraklion.
- Production of Audio Narratives: Six (6) thematic audio narratives were created in two (2) languages (Greek and English) to present information through the virtual characters in a storytelling format.
- Production of High-Resolution 360° Videos: Five (5) high-resolution 360° videos were produced, with a total duration of one hundred (100) minutes, one for each proposed cultural route, aiming to showcase the city of Heraklion and its monuments. Additionally, one (1) five-minute video was produced to present the project’s results, with the purpose of promoting the history of Heraklion to the general public through the Municipality’s outreach channels and social media platforms.
The Municipality of Heraklion won the Gold Award for “Innovative Use of Technology” at the Tourism Awards 2025 for the project “Interactive Heraklion (digital applications for the promotion of the sustainable urban development intervention area)”.
