By Chris Gomez | Little Italy News
Little Italy has some exciting news to share!
Residents and visitors of Little Italy will have the opportunity to explore the “ins and outs” of Little Italy this new year with the new Little Italy San Diego interactive mobile app.
With the help of Guru, an experiential technology company that creates innovative apps and solutions for cultural institutions, sightseers will be able to more easily navigate the neighborhood, further explore never-before-heard information and learn more about the community’s rich past, present and future.
The Little Italy San Diego app will empower users to rediscover the community. It will allow them to take charge of their own learning adventure by providing audio-guided tours, games and fun ways to explore the rich history, Italian heritage, arts, culture, hidden gems and more of the Little Italy neighborhood.
The one-of-a-kind platform will give individuals a new way to experience Little Italy and offer a glimpse into the neighborhood’s past through an augmented reality feature, which allows users to hold their phones up and see the buildings transform to their historic facades right before their eyes.
The Little Italy San Diego app will launch with the following tours:
- History of Little Italy — The tour will give visitors a broad overview of the origins of Little Italy from the 16th century to the 20th century. It will feature a combination of audio overviews, soundbites, videos, photos and augmented reality all within 10 – 15 stops.
- Personal Stories — This tour will give visitors insight into the Italian immigrant experience by hearing personal anecdotes and memories that relate to what it was like growing up in the neighborhood. It will have the same features as the History of Little Italy tour.
- Family-friendly Tour — This covers the “History of Little Italy” tour, but is geared for kids and includes a Little Italy San Diego animated mascot, Danny Boy, that will take them around the neighborhood. It will feature videos, photos, augmented reality, games and a quiz.
- Waiting for Your Table Tour — Shaped for visitors on the go, this tour is great for those who have a few minutes to spare and want to learn more about Little Italy. It will offer six to eight stops all within a close proximity.
The Little Italy San Diego app, powered by Guru, will officially launch on Jan. 15. It will be free and easily downloadable on iOS and Android devices.
Stay connected and find out the latest happenings in our neighborhood by following us on Instagram and Twitter @LittleItalySD and Facebook/San Diego Little Italy.
—Christopher Gomez has been Little Italy’s district manager since 2000. Reach him at [email protected].
