Vico Equense: National Conference on Fortified Villages at Castello

Vico Equense: National Conference on Fortified Villages

Date: Friday, 15 May 2026 • Venue: Castello Giusso, Vico Equense (NA) • Time: 09:00–18:30

Event purpose

This national meeting focuses on how castles and fortifications can be activated as engines for sustainable cultural and economic development. The aim is to reframe these historic structures as central elements of a cultural landscape that combines heritage, local food traditions and digital innovation.

Key programme items

• Opening and institutional greetings – national and local representatives outline themes and goals.
• Morning session: History, identity and landscapes
  • Historical analysis and case studies (e.g. Castello Giusso, Matera’s defensive network, Urueña)
  • Connections between traditional crafts and territorial innovation
  • Presentations by historians and conservation experts
• Afternoon session: Innovation and digital tourism
  • Distributed hospitality strategies and practical examples
  • Use of Augmented and Virtual Reality to make sites accessible worldwide
  • Technical insights on diagnostics and historic stone restoration
• Working tables to define integrated territorial policies and pilot projects

Speakers and contributions

Speakers include prominent institutional and technical figures such as Michaela Stagno d’Alcontres, Giuseppe Aiello, Maurizio Di Stefano and Alfonso Andria, with sessions coordinated by experts including Luigi Maglio, Mena Caccioppoli, Leo Donnarumma and Daniela La Foresta.

Why attend

• Learn practical approaches to integrate castles within local tourism circuits;
• Discover digital tools for enhancing access and interpretation of historic sites;
• Build networks among municipalities, cultural operators and local businesses;
• Gain technical knowledge on diagnostics and restoration techniques.

Practical information

Organizer: Istituto Italiano dei Castelli – Campania Section. The conference takes place at Castello Giusso, starting at 09:00 and ending at 18:30. For registration and participation details contact the event organizer or the Municipality of Vico Equense.