Sicilian historic centers launch inclusive tourism network

A network of historic centers in Enna, Aidone, and Piazza Armerina, Sicily, has been equipped with accessible materials for all visitors, including those with sensory and intellectual disabilities. The initiative, led by cooperative MARE (Musei Accessibilità Ricerca ed Esperienza), founded by Francesca Merz and Aurelia Nicolosi, provides Braille maps, tactile models, simplified panels, and QR codes linking to digital kits with podcasts and LIS video narrations of landmarks like the Torre di Federico II in Enna and Palazzo Trigona in Piazza Armerina. Costing approximately €90,000, the project was supported by the Cultura Crea 2.0 grant and local pro loco associations. Materials were co-designed with professionals with disabilities and organizations including Associazione Futuro21 of Catania, AFAE, and Stamperia Braille of Catania. Officials Alessandra Mirabella (Vicesindaco of Aidone) and Ettore Messina (Assessore al Turismo of Piazza Armerina) praised the initiative for enhancing accessibility and territorial promotion. The project aims to serve as a model for cultural sites across Italy.