A major project that combines technological innovation with cultural heritage is set to be completed at the end of July 2025. This is the project “Development of a platform for the creation of innovative tour applications at the archaeological site of Ancient Dodona, aiming to enhance the visitor experience using elements of augmented reality, gamification and systems for locating the precise location of visitors”, with the acronym ARDION, which enhances the way visitors experience the archaeological site of Ancient Dodona, through applications of augmented reality, interactive storytelling and artificial intelligence.

In particular, the project aspires to be a powerful tool for social awakening and cultural activation, substantially enhancing the visitor numbers of the archaeological site of Ancient Dodona and encouraging repeat visits through innovative, interactive tour experiences. At the same time, it highlights the rich cultural heritage of the region with modern means, creating “bridges” between culture, tourism, and sustainable local development.

The applications developed through the project enable visitors to navigate the site via their mobile devices or tablets, enjoying an enriched experience that will be adapted to their preferences, ag,e and interests. For example, a student will experience a more gamified approach, while an adult may have access to more historical details and multimedia material.

The completion of the project will be marked by two informative presentation events, with open discussion:

July 1, 2025 | Conference Hall Department of History & Department of Archives, Library Science and Museology, Ionian University (Ioannou Theotoki 72, Corfu 491 00). Times: 10:00 – 14:00
Archaeological Site of Dodona (date to be announced soon)
The events will be open to the public and will present the innovative tools and applications developed, while demonstrations, discussions, and experiential tours using digital guides will be held.

Innovative digital tour experiences with gamification elements, 3D representations, and augmented reality, designed for different ages and audiences.
An interactive online platform, allowing archaeologists, educators, and visitors to create and customize their own tour applications, without requiring technical knowledge.
Intelligent monitoring of visitor behavior, in order to constantly improve the experiences provided and develop personalized narratives based on user preferences.
The Archaeological Site of Dodona, one of the most important of antiquity and home to the oldest oracle, is currently on track to be recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, with the Ephorate of Antiquities of Ioannina working towards this direction.

ARDION offers a dynamic example of the use of innovation in the promotion of cultural heritage, promoting experiential learning, technological education and participation. An important part of the project is expected to be the summer school.

The project is funded by the “Research – Create – Innovate” Action of “Greece 2.0, Recovery and Resilience Fund” and is implemented by a strong consortium that combines academic, research, and business experience:

ARDION is not limited to a single site or project. It represents an open, scalable model that can be applied to archaeological sites throughout Greece and internationally, promoting sustainable tourism development, educational innovation, and the interconnection of culture and technology.