The town of Monreal de Ariza hosted the public presentation of the new Route of the Border Castles, an initiative combining heritage, historical dissemination and technology to introduce the public to the defensive legacy of the former Castilian-Aragonese border.
The initiative is part of the Tourism Sustainability Plan for the Calatayud Region and offers a new way to discover the fortresses that played a fundamental role in shaping the history of the territory over the centuries.
Technology at the Service of Heritage
The route includes new digital resources that allow visitors to explore the history of the castles in a more visual, accessible and engaging way. During the event, a summary video featuring the 22 audiovisual resources developed for the initiative was presented, together with three 3D virtual reconstructions of the castles of Monreal de Ariza, Bijuesca and Ariza.
These reconstructions help visitors imagine the original appearance of the fortresses, understand their defensive structures and discover their relationship with the surrounding roads, municipalities and historical events that shaped the former border between the Kingdoms of Castile and Aragon.
Participants also received information materials containing QR codes that provided direct access to the videos, virtual reconstructions and other digital resources included in the route.
A Presentation in a Unique Heritage Setting
Although the event was initially planned to take place near Monreal de Ariza Castle, weather conditions meant that it had to be moved to the town’s church.
This change made it possible to hold the presentation in an exceptional heritage site that had been restored after remaining abandoned for approximately 70 years and that is only opened to the public on special occasions.
The participation of local residents, visitors and people interested in history and heritage demonstrated the positive reception of an initiative that connects the memory of the territory with new tools for tourism and cultural interpretation.
Developia Foundation’s Contribution
Developia Foundation contributed to the digital communication and promotion of the Route of the Border Castles by supporting the preparation of promotional materials, the dissemination of its content and the organisation of the public presentation.
This work reflects the Foundation’s commitment to innovation applied to heritage, territorial development and the creation of tourism experiences capable of generating new opportunities for municipalities and local communities.
The digitalisation of cultural resources not only contributes to their preservation and dissemination but also makes it possible to reach new audiences, encourage interest in lesser-known sites and strengthen the shared identity of rural territories.
Heritage, Innovation and Territorial Development
The Route of the Border Castles is an example of how technology can help reinterpret historical heritage without losing its accuracy or connection with the territory.
Through videos, 3D virtual reconstructions and digital resources, residents and visitors can discover the value of these fortresses and gain a deeper understanding of the history of a region shaped for centuries by its position as a border territory.
Through initiatives such as this one, Developia Foundation continues working to connect innovation, culture and sustainable development, transforming local heritage into a tool for knowledge, participation and territorial revitalisation.
