This chronicle, titled “Ruralities, Cultural Heritage, Associativism and Tourism in the Times of Digital Humanities”, addresses the pertinence of generalised access to historical legacy, highlighting the importance of cultural heritage, associativism and tourism in rural contexts in the digital age. The text questions who is interested in heritage, such as medieval chapels or castles, and argues that although history offers deep understanding of the past, its appreciation is not always understood by today’s society.
Exploring the impact of digitalisation, virtual reality and immersive experiences, the authors highlight a project in Sabrosa, Portugal, which uses new technologies to promote the Medieval Necropolis of Touças. This project includes theatrical events, digitisation of archaeological artefacts and the creation of virtual guides, with the aim of involving local communities and visitors. In addition, the chronicle describes the Learning Villages International Network (LVIN #C) initiative, funded by the European Commission, which seeks to promote education for culture, heritage and tourism in rural areas.
The text highlights the interaction between digital humanities, sustainability, experiential tourism and cross-border cooperation, emphasising the importance of educational and cultural initiatives for rural communities.
