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Improvement of accessibility of archaeological monuments and sites of Thessaloniki
Published on 23 November 2019
Greece
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
About this good practice
PROSPELASIS :
Development and application of an "exemplary methodology" for the improvement of accessibility of archaeological monuments and sites of Thessaloniki, by people with mobility impairments.
In six important Byzantine Monuments accessibility improvement interventions have been realised which include:
• systems facilitating physical access (bridges, ramps, lifts, platforms)
• information provision via WiFi using different modes (audible, text in three languages, Greek and International sign language)
• creation of haptic models.
A major action of the project involved signing and interventions realised on a route connecting three of the most important Monuments of the city, i.e. Hagia Sofia, Acheropoietos and Rotunda.
The above route was established in order to underline:
that the project takes into account the needs of people with learning difficulties and cognitive impairments
the need to “connect” Monuments of great interest and facilitate movement from one to another
the need to increase the accessibility, especially after the completion of the ongoing Metro line construction works, of the main monumental axis of Thessaloniki which is Egnatia St.
Characteristics of the route
Interesting route with many shops, old houses, Monuments, churches
Much traffic of private cars and buses
Much “visual noise” is evident.
Development and application of an "exemplary methodology" for the improvement of accessibility of archaeological monuments and sites of Thessaloniki, by people with mobility impairments.
In six important Byzantine Monuments accessibility improvement interventions have been realised which include:
• systems facilitating physical access (bridges, ramps, lifts, platforms)
• information provision via WiFi using different modes (audible, text in three languages, Greek and International sign language)
• creation of haptic models.
A major action of the project involved signing and interventions realised on a route connecting three of the most important Monuments of the city, i.e. Hagia Sofia, Acheropoietos and Rotunda.
The above route was established in order to underline:
that the project takes into account the needs of people with learning difficulties and cognitive impairments
the need to “connect” Monuments of great interest and facilitate movement from one to another
the need to increase the accessibility, especially after the completion of the ongoing Metro line construction works, of the main monumental axis of Thessaloniki which is Egnatia St.
Characteristics of the route
Interesting route with many shops, old houses, Monuments, churches
Much traffic of private cars and buses
Much “visual noise” is evident.
Resources needed
The project has been financed by a grant of the EEA Financial Mechanism (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein - 50%) and the public investments programme of the Hellenic Republic (50%).
Evidence of success
The interventions were received very positively by the local media and people.
The route has activated the local Municipality to improve route’s accessibility ahead of schedule, despite the foreseen timescale after Metro works completion.
It attracted the interest of tourists and visitors.
Following explanations on the scope of interventions the interest has increased.
These accessibility for all facilities are used today by many visitors with mobility handicaps and are found very helpful.
The route has activated the local Municipality to improve route’s accessibility ahead of schedule, despite the foreseen timescale after Metro works completion.
It attracted the interest of tourists and visitors.
Following explanations on the scope of interventions the interest has increased.
These accessibility for all facilities are used today by many visitors with mobility handicaps and are found very helpful.
Potential for learning or transfer
The methodology developed in PROSPELASIS project in Thessaloniki can be applied in other cities with similar monuments for accessibility of visitors and accessible tourism.
Accessibility in tourism is a main component of 'smart destinations' and of 'smart tourism'. Accessibility does not only entail being a barrier-free destination, it also encompasses services that are multilingual and, for example, digitally available to all travelers or visitors – regardless of age, cultural background or any physical disability, according to the EU Smart Tourism Capital intitative.
Within the social dimension of sustainability, new technologies and smart systems serve to improve accessibility for people with different disabilities, ensuring that destinations and travellers’ journeys are barrier-free and accessible.
The PROSPELASIS methodology and results can be very useful towards transforming tourist destinations into smart destinations through improved accessibility and tourism for all.
Accessibility in tourism is a main component of 'smart destinations' and of 'smart tourism'. Accessibility does not only entail being a barrier-free destination, it also encompasses services that are multilingual and, for example, digitally available to all travelers or visitors – regardless of age, cultural background or any physical disability, according to the EU Smart Tourism Capital intitative.
Within the social dimension of sustainability, new technologies and smart systems serve to improve accessibility for people with different disabilities, ensuring that destinations and travellers’ journeys are barrier-free and accessible.
The PROSPELASIS methodology and results can be very useful towards transforming tourist destinations into smart destinations through improved accessibility and tourism for all.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
Organisation
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki - Transport Systems Research Group
Greece
Kentriki Makedonia
Contact
Coordinator