What does it take to bring centuries-old castles back to life? For the Volyn Foundation and the „Digital Transformation for Cultural Heritage Capacity Building in Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine” (DGTRAN) project, it starts with innovation, collaboration, and a shared love for history. Supported by the Creative Europe Program, our international effort uses cutting-edge 3D and AR technologies to preserve historical sites linked to Vytautas the Great across Ukraine, Poland, and Lithuania.

The journey began with a vision: to honor Vytautas’ proto-European legacy of unity and cooperation. Led by the Volyn Foundation in Ukraine, the team brought together incredible partners: the University of Bialystok (Poland), the Educational Research and Innovation Institute (Lithuania), and the Institute of Entrepreneurship Development (Greece). Each partner contributes unique expertise, creating a powerful alliance for cultural preservation.

The first steps were ambitious and exciting. Eleven castles were selected for digitalization, including Lutsk Castle in Ukraine, Trakai Castle in Lithuania, and Bielsk Podlaski Castle in Poland. These sites, rich in history, represent the shared cultural ties between the three nations. To capture their essence, tech partners Skeiron (Ukraine) and Saulius Zaura (Lithuania) were enlisted to create stunning 3D models, offering a glimpse into their medieval grandeur.

A significant milestone of the project is the creation of the “Belt of Vytautas” website (vytautasbelt.eu), where visitors can explore 3D models of these castles, learn their histories, and engage with VR experiences. This platform brings the past to life, making it accessible to anyone with an Internet connection.

The Volyn Foundation also made a lasting impact by translating key digitization guidelines into Ukrainian (“The London Charter for the Computer-Based Visualisation of Cultural Heritage” and “Basic Principles and Tips for 3D Digitisation of Tangible Cultural Heritage”), empowering local experts to adopt European standards. These efforts not only preserve cultural treasures but also ensure their stories are accessible to future generations.

Despite challenges like the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine, the DGTRAN project is a beacon of resilience and cooperation. Together, we are not only preserving history but also building bridges that connect and celebrate shared European heritage.