E-Routes: Connecting European Cultural Heritage through Digital Storytelling

Abstract

This poster highlights the innovative methodologies of the E-ROUTES.eu project (2022– 2025), which bridges cultural heritage, digital storytelling, and tourism. It is coordinated by the Serbian Library Association in partnership with ICARUS Croatia, the National and University Library of Slovenia, and UNINA-Centro MUSA (Italy). The project creates digital pathways from 18th century Grand Tour to modern travel experiences, making previously less-visible collections more accessible. E-ROUTES has developed a collaborative network that integrates libraries, museums, archives, and contemporary artistic materials to create cohesive narratives about travel routes. This connects historical travelogues, diaries, maps, and images with modern cultural experiences, fostering intercultural dialogue and expanding access to lesser-known heritage. E-ROUTES has united specialized knowledge from diverse domains to create immersive experiences. Our multi-layered approach combines digitized materials ingested into Europeana with contemporary artistic interpretations through web application, artist residencies, engaging public events, and curated stories. By fostering intersectoral partnerships, E-ROUTES builds knowledge ecosystems that preserve local histories while enhancing cross-domain collaboration. The project employs storytelling techniques and digital platforms to make cultural heritage more engaging. By revitalizing intangible traditions and promoting sustainable tourism, E-ROUTES demonstrates how libraries can lead in building future-oriented cultural networks.