In the ceremonial hall of the Grand Hotel Brioni in Pula, on Tuesday, December 17th, 2024, the traditional award ceremony for the prestigious Golden Goat – Capra d’oro was held, during which the Tourist Board of the Istria County presented the award for outstanding projects, innovations, and contributions to the promotion of tourism. One of this year's laureates in the category of Visual Communications was the project Vodnjan Stories – Tales of Vodnjan: from Comics to Light, which further highlighted the success of the local community in connecting cultural heritage with modern technologies.

Revolutionary project for the promotion of Vodnjan

Vodnjan Stories represent a unique blend of historical narrative, artistic expression, and contemporary technology. Designed as a comic with augmented reality, these stories bring to life the rich history and legends of Vodnjan, covering locations such as Vodnjan, Galižana, and Peroj. Using the TaleUp app, the comic offers an interactive experience that allows users to explore hidden dimensions of historical stories through their smart devices.

Art that connects the past and the future

The project was created by award-winning illustrators such as Fran Strukan, Vili Paoletić, Enis Čišić, and Aleksa Gajić, while the editorial role was taken by Vjeran Juhas. Their collaboration resulted in a visually stunning comic, which, with the help of augmented reality technology, becomes much more than just a printed edition. The technical aspect of the project was developed by the 360 Provideo team, ensuring flawless integration of digital and printed content.

LUCE: Light Festival as the highlight of the project

An additional dimension of the Vodnjan Stories is represented through the LUCE light festival, which takes place every year in Vodnjan. This event transforms the city's streets and the facades of historical buildings into canvases for spectacular 3D projections. With the help of lighting experts from Visualia, illustrations from the comic come to life through video mapping, creating an impressive experience for visitors. The festival not only attracts tourists but also strengthens the local identity, ensuring that history and tradition are passed on to new generations.

Free availability and lasting value

One of the key elements of the project is its free availability. Printed and digital editions are distributed through libraries, schools, and local communities, ensuring a wide reach. In addition to serving as a tourist guide, the project has educational value, introducing young people to the history and legends of their region. Therefore, Vodnjan Stories are not just a tourist product but also a means of preserving cultural heritage.

Idea that was born in 2019

The project started in 2019 as a response to the need to present local heritage in a modern and accessible way. The vision was to attract tourists and visitors while simultaneously educating the local population about the rich history of their community. Collaboration with renowned artists and technology experts ensured the quality that has been recognized beyond Croatia's borders.

Golden Goat – Capra d’oro: Recognition for innovation

The awarding of the Golden Goat – Capra d’oro for Vodnjan Stories is confirmation of the exceptional work and effort of all those involved in this project. This award highlights how it is possible to combine art, technology, and cultural heritage in a way that inspires and attracts. Vodnjan Stories today are a symbol of an innovative approach to tourist promotion, offering a model that other communities can follow.