The Guglielmi Castle on Isola Maggiore: from Architectural Survey to a Proposal for Valorization and Communication

This research focuses on the case study of Castello Guglielmi, located on Isola Maggiore in Lake Trasimeno, Umbria, and forms part of a broader research initiative at the University of Perugia dedicated to the documentation and valorization of fortified heritage within the regional territory. The study aims to provide updated documentation – historical, architectural, and typological – of a building currently in a severe state of abandonment, serving as a foundation for a project aimed at promoting and communicating the fortified architecture of the Trasimeno area. The adopted methodology is multidisciplinary, integrating historical, archival, and bibliographic sources with direct architectural surveys and 2D and 3D digital modeling. One of the key outcomes of the research is a proposal for digital enhancement, developed through the design of a mobile application dedicated to communicating the architectural heritage of the Trasimeno area. Following a comparative analysis of existing applications, the app interface features interactive maps, a virtual assistant, historical content, gamified experiences, and accessibility features to ensure broad and inclusive engagement. Each castle is presented through a detailed modular profile, with Castello Guglielmi serving as a replicable prototype. This approach promotes not only public access to historical knowledge but also active and informed participation in the valorization of the territory. The research demonstrates how the integration of architectural surveying and digital storytelling can transform isolated and vulnerable sites into nodes within a connected cultural landscape. The proposed model is scalable and adaptable to similar contexts, offering a concrete strategy for the sustainable management of cultural heritage.