Italy has launched a network of 60 smart signage devices along five historic and religious walking routes, part of the 'Antichi Cammini d'Italia' project. These devices use Bluetooth Low Energy beacons to automatically interact with the free Italia.it app on travelers' smartphones, providing push notifications with maps, multimedia content, and real-time information.
How It Works
Each smart sign is equipped with proximity technology that emits a short-range signal. When a user with the Italia.it app and Bluetooth enabled approaches, the app recognizes the location and triggers a notification. No scanning or prior knowledge is needed; the experience activates automatically, discreetly guiding walkers. Additionally, each device offers free Wi-Fi, crucial in remote Apennine areas with limited mobile coverage.
Italia.it App Features
The app provides geolocated maps, stage details (length, elevation, difficulty, refreshment points), and over 1,000 information sheets on churches, monuments, natural areas, and other landmarks. It also includes multimedia content such as images and narratives. More than 40% of highlighted sites are lesser-known gems, helping to uncover hidden heritage.
Blending Physical and Digital Experiences
The system enhances the walking experience without replacing it. Travelers maintain their pace and direct contact with the landscape, while the app offers orientation and discovery tools only when useful. This model caters to diverse modern tourists and promotes the routes in an accessible, sustainable manner.
Availability
The Italia.it app is free on the App Store and Google Play. Users activate Bluetooth during walks to receive automatic notifications along the Via Francigena, Way of Saint Francis, Way of Saint Benedict, Romea Strata, and Via Romea Germanica. The project is funded by the European Union's Next Generation EU program, with the Italian Ministry of Tourism as operator and ENIT S.p.A. as agent.
