"Krzyżtopór Castle" App – A Digital Reconstruction of a 17th-Century Powerhouse.
Krzyżtopór Castle in Ujazd, founded by the Polish magnate Krzysztof Ossoliński, remains one of Poland’s most enigmatic landmarks. As a palazzo in fortezza residence, it was the largest palace complex in Europe before the construction of Versailles. The "Krzyżtopór Castle" Cultural Institution faced a unique challenge: How to showcase the former glory of this "calendar-inspired" architecture, given that the site has remained a permanent ruin since the Swedish Deluge? The solution lies in the visualization of its symbolism, including a presentation of its unique, calendar-based spatial layout.
Key Project Objectives
- Symbolism Visualization: Showcasing a unique structure based on calendar symbolism (4 towers for the seasons, 12 halls for the months, 52 rooms for the weeks, and 365 windows for the days).
- Immersive Touring: Stepping into the reality of 1644 through detailed 360° photography, allowing visitors to experience the space in full scope.
- Modern Education: Replacing static information boards with an interactive system of context-aware notifications.
Challenges
The primary obstacle was the sheer volume of the site (1.3 hectares) and its massive stone walls, which effectively block GPS signals and mobile internet in the dungeons. The project required:
- Network Independence: Developing an offline system powered by local infrastructure.
- Location Precision: Using technology to automatically detect a visitor's presence at specific points of interest.
- Historical Validation: Working closely with historians to recreate lost details, such as the legendary aquarium built into the dining room ceiling.
The Solution: An LBS Ecosystem
We developed and implemented a Location-Based Services (LBS) system, acting as an intelligent layer of reality superimposed onto the physical castle space. This "architecture of the future" is built on native mobile solutions, creating a "digital window into the 17th century."
1. Intelligent Reality Layer (Beacons)
Instead of manually entering stop numbers, the user's smartphone vibrates upon entering a specific zone, thanks to Bluetooth Beacon technology.
- Automatic Detection: The system precisely detects the visitor (their phone) in the gatehouse, the courtyard, or the "Smok" (Dragon) bastion
- Gamification: The guide "checks off" visited spots, motivating tourists to fully explore the terraces and dungeons.
2. Immersive Time Travel: In-Situ 3D Reconstructions
Users can compare the current state of the ruins with historical views directly on their device screens.
- Dining Room Aquarium View: A unique recreation of the legendary glass ceilings, above which exotic fish once swam
- 360° Panoramas: The ability to look freely around the opulent interiors that were looted in the 17th century
3. A New Dimension of Navigation and Visualization
The app focuses on delivering a rich visual layer that serves as the primary guide. Moving away from traditional audio logs, the system prioritizes precise communication through image:
- Interactive Site Map: Powered by Beacon technology, visitors can see their real-time location on a 17th-century fortress plan
- Real-Time Touring Guidance: The app suggests the next steps of the route, simplifying navigation through the labyrinth of ruins and cellars
- Detail Reconstruction: Historical visualizations are overlaid on the contemporary view, telling the story of the Ossoliński family and highlighting architectural nuances.
Results and Real-World Value
4,1 / 5
average rating of the app on Google Play
+8k
app downloads on Google Play and the App Store
*Averages calculated for the years 2020-2023
*Averages calculated for the years 2020-2023
Results and Real-World Value
The implementation of Smart Tourism solutions has significantly boosted the appeal and brand recognition of Krzyżtopór Castle, setting a new digital standard for heritage sites.
- Interactive Site Map: Powered by Beacon technology, visitors can see their real-time location on a 17th-century fortress plan
- Real-Time Touring Guidance: The app suggests the next steps of the route, simplifying navigation through the labyrinth of ruins and cellars
- Detail Reconstruction: Historical visualizations are overlaid on the contemporary view, telling the story of the Ossoliński family and highlighting architectural nuances.
PHP
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Kotlin
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Swift
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Figma
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MariaDB
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