Montescudaio becomes an open-air digital museum with 'Borgo Racconta'

Montescudaio launches a digital route blending history and archaeology

The village of Montescudaio has installed interactive tourist signage that makes historical and archaeological heritage accessible via smartphone. The initiative, available through BorgoRacconta.it, pairs information panels equipped with QR codes and travel podcasts in Italian, English and German to create an immersive, app-free guided visit.

How the trail works

Visitors scan QR codes on the informational panels to instantly access short narrative podcasts voiced by professionals. The material combines historical, artistic and archaeological insights, designed to be enjoyed while walking through the village streets and squares.

Key sites and archaeological interest

The signage highlights six main stops in Montescudaio's historic core. Included sites are:

• War Memorial (Monumento ai caduti) – the trail's starting point;
• Santuario della Santissima Annunziata – focusing on the village's religious history;
• Town Hall Square (Piazza del Comune) – civic centre and narrative hub;
• Abbey Church of Santa Maria Assunta – architectural and artistic landmark;
• Castle panoramic terrace – podcasts explain the medieval walls and views over the Val di Cecina;
• Civic Tower, CeDiAS and the excavations of the ancient Badia di Santa Maria – locations offering archaeological documentation and interactive content.

Goals and benefits for cultural tourism

The project aims to promote the town's historical and archaeological roots through easy-to-use digital tools. Practical benefits include:

• Immediate access to information without installing extra apps;
• Multilingual content to welcome international visitors;
• Integration of archaeological findings and documentation for those interested in local digs;
• Simple interaction suitable for non-tech-savvy users.

Municipal perspective

The local administration highlights that the intervention balances urban decorum and digital innovation to enhance cultural hospitality. The signage and points of interest were selected to showcase the heritage, simplify historical understanding and promote the archaeological work and materials held at the CeDiAS documentation centre.

Practical information

To listen to podcasts and access the guides, scan the QR codes on site or visit BorgoRacconta.it. Content is available in Italian, English and German and is suitable both for passing tourists and for visitors wishing to delve deeper into the area's archaeological features.