Napoleonic Itineraries

In the context of the Tourism Strategy 2027, it was established the commitment to create and structure new integrated tourism offerings. As a result of this commitment, the theme of Military Tourism was approached with the project anchored in the French Invasions of Portugal, "Napoleonic Itineraries", led by the Intermunicipal Community of the Coimbra Region (CIM-RC) and co-funded by the Support Line for Tourist Enhancement of the Interior.
Within the project, Unloop developed immersive and interactive experiences with a focus on building a coherent narrative in order to portray the period of Napoleonic Invasions in Portugal, allowing visitors to travel in time and witness key events that impacted the history of Portugal in the beginning of the 19th century.
Likewise, different augmented reality and virtual reality experiences were developed that can be experienced in historical locations in municipalities that either are part of CIM-RC or are their partners: Almeida, Mealhada, Mortágua, Penacova, Bombarral, Lourinhã, Elvas, Arruda dos Vinhos, Loures, Mafra, Sobral de Monte Agraço, Torres Vedras, and Vila Franca de Xira.
All these initiatives allow the enrichment of existing tourist offers in these territories, exalting heroic deeds and telling the story(ies) in a dynamic way, providing visitors with the authentic opportunity to experience these events, thus contributing to the economic, cultural and social development of the territories involved.

The Napoleonic Itineraries project covers the main events of the 1st and 3rd French Invasions in Portugal during the early 19th century, against the backdrop of the broader Napoleonic Wars in Europe. Initiated by Napoleon Bonaparte's ambition to establish a dominant French empire, these conflicts led to the Continental Blockade of 1806, aimed at reducing England's influence. However, Portugal, bound by its longstanding alliance with England, defied the blockade, prompting French military intervention in 1807. The subsequent departure of King João VI to Brazil left Portugal vulnerable, prompting England to dispatch General Wellesley (the First Duke of Wellington) to lead the defence.
The Third French Invasion, led by Marshal André Masséna in 1810, encountered fierce resistance from the allied forces, culminating in the pivotal Battle of Bussaco on September 27, 1810. Despite initial victories, Masséna's forces faced insurmountable obstacles at the Lines of Torres Vedras, forcing their retreat back to Spain in 1811. This brought the end of the French Invasions in Portugal, showcasing the resilience of Anglo-Portuguese forces and signaling a setback for Napoleon's aspirations.
The territories of the 13 participating municipalities were directly affected by the French Invasions in Portugal. The 19th century had a profound impact on the political, sociocultural, and economic history of the country, resulting in multiple material and immaterial manifestations, some of which are still remembered and experienced.
Likewise, Unloop developed a variety of augmented and virtual reality experiences for each municipality to represent this period of history. In total, 13 scenarios, 72 characters and their respective uniforms, and over 250 assets were produced to create immersive historical recreations portraying various significant events of the Napoleonic Invasions in Portugal as realistically as possible. All experiences are available in four languages: Portuguese, Spanish, French, and English, creating accessibility that eliminates barriers, allowing all visitors to experience and learn about the history of the Napoleonic Invasions in Portugal.

In order to authentically depict scenarios from the period of the French Invasions of Portugal, our creative team conducted extensive research to gather visual documents and descriptions of the locations where the events depicted in our VR experiences took place. This information helped us recreate some scenarios that no longer exist nowadays. For existing locations, the 3D team visited those sites in order to carry out photogrammetry with a posterior analysis of multiple photos and videos taken in location, which were later converted into three-dimensional models. That initial stage was followed by optimization, involving processes like retopology, texture baking, and possible corrections and adjustments.

Spanning from 1807 to 1814, the French Invasions left lasting impressions on Portuguese society and landscape. Despite extensive military campaigns, the Anglo-Portuguese resistance played a decisive role in prompting Napoleon's retreat, influencing the trajectory of European history.
In all 13 VR experiences developed by Unloop for each municipality of CIM-RC, our goal was to allow participants to relive historical events and put visitors at the center of the story as if they were part of the historical recreation.

Between August 15th and 28th, 1810, Almeida was occupied by French troops. The Duke of Wellington believed he had enough ammunition and food to resist the siege of French troops until the defensive strategy in the Lines of Torres Vedras was finalized. However, a powerful explosion in the magazine gave the French army the opportunity to conquer the fortress.
This scenario was recreated from documents and visual references of the interior part of the magazine, where the gunpowder for the cannons was stored, which was modeled. This magazine eventually exploded due to uncertain reasons. This sequence aso features our recreation of the walls of the Almeida fortress, where the battle between Portuguese and French artillery was fought.
PORTUGUESE SOLDIERS FROM ARTILLERY REGIMENT 4 CARRY ARTILLERY GRENADES AND POWDER BARRELS

ATTACK ON THE FORTRESS AND EXPLOSION OF THE CASTLE OF ALMEIDA

On September 27th, the Battle of Bussaco, the largest battle of the 3rd French Invasion, took place. Despite being outnumbered, the Anglo-Portuguese Army, commanded by Arthur Wellington, emerged victorious over the enemy troops.The success of this battle was attributed to the strategic positioning along the Bussaco Ridge. Despite the victory, the allied army retreated and sought an advantageous position at the Lines of Torres Vedras.
To recreate these historical events, photogrammetry of the exterior space, entrance and interior of the convent was carried out. The convent at the time was used as headquarters by Arthur Wellington. The scenario was recreated based on historical data and visual references. It is important to highlight that the map used in this experiment, where Wellington planned a strategy for the Battle of Bussaco, was recreated from the map he used at the time.
To represent the Battle and get as close as possible to the real events, was carried on a study of the positions and formations of the soldiers, as well as techniques used at the time during battle, such as shooting.
EXTERIOR OF THE CONVENTO DE SANTA CRUZ DO BUSSACO

ARTHUR WELLINGTON AND ROBERT CRAUFURD INSIDE THE CONVENT DEBATING ON THE STRATEGY

THE PLAYER IS INVITED TO INTERACT WITH AN EXPERIENCE AND POSITION THE MINIATURES THAT REPRESENT THE ALLIES ON THE MAP

ARTHUR WELLINGTON AND ROBERT CRAUFURD AT THE OBSERVATION POST OF THE BATTLE OF BUSSACO

The French troops gained access to Mortágua through the Criz River, crossing a bridge they had to rebuild after it was destroyed by the Anglo-Portuguese troops.
The population of this municipality suffered greatly at the hands of the French army. However, the combat in the Meiral mountain range surprised the French when the Hunters, led by Major Luís do Rego Barreto, detected them and took positions in the rocky areas to carry out a surprise attack, two days before the Battle of Bussaco.
PORTUGUESE HUNTER REGIMENT NO. 4 PREPARING THE AMBUSH ON THE ROYAL ROAD

FRENCH SOLDIERS AFTER THE ATTACK BY PORTUGUESE HUNTERS

The majority of the Anglo-Portuguese army, on its way to the top of Serra do Bussaco, had to cross the Mondego Valley. During the days leading up to the battle, the divisions occupied each other's camps and all crossed the river at this location.
One of the most important references for the recreation of this scenario was the Engraving of the Mondego River by C. Turner, dated September 21st, 1810. This painting offers a unique vision of the landscape and the atmosphere of the time. In addition to the engraving, we also followed existing reports from official soldiers, where they describe the crossing of the Mondego Valley, as well as the authentic scenic landscape that resides there.
CROSSING THE MONDEGO RIVER BY THE LIGHTBURNE BRIGADE

IN THE EXPERIENCE, THE USER IS PART OF THE LIGHTBURN BRIGADE. THE GOAL IS TO CROSS THE RIVER WITHOUT LETTING THE EQUIPMENT HE TRANSPORTS GET WET.

The end of the first French invasion of Portugal was determined by the victory of Anglo-Portuguese troops in the battle of Vimeiro on August 21st, 1808.
After the battle of Roliça, General Arthur Wellington positioned troops in Vimeiro to protect the landing of British fleet on Porto Novo beach. His main objective was to advance towards Lisbon, passing through Mafra. After negotiations with the British and the signing of the Sintra Convention, General Jean-Andoche Junot ended up ordering the withdrawal of French troops from Portugal.
DUKE WELLINGTON OBSERVES WITH HIS MONOCLE THE MOVEMENTS OF THE FRENCH TROOPS PREPARING TO ATTACK OUTEIRO DO VIMEIRO

CONFRONTATION BETWEEN THE ANGLO-PORTUGUESE CAVALRY AND THE FRENCH CAVALRY

DURING THE WHOLE BATTLE, GEORGE CLARK, DESPITE BEING WOUNDED, CONTINUED TO PLAY HIS BAGPIPE

On the morning of August 17th, 1808, in the battle of Roliça, the Anglo-Portuguese forces and the French forces, commanded by Generals Sir Arthur Wellington and Henri-François Delaborde respectively, faced each other in battle. Upon noticing the enemy's numerical superiority, Delaborde ordered the withdrawal of his troops to the south, towards Lisbon, but successfully achieved his objective of delaying Arthur Wellington forces.
DELABORDE OBSERVES THE MARCH OF BRITISH FORCES

CONFRONTATION BETWEEN THE ALLIES AND REGIMENT 29, LED BY COLONEL GEORGE LAKE

With the approach of French troops commanded by General Junot, the royal family decided to embark for Brazil. The ship departed on November 27th, 1807. In this VR experience, the user is invited to witness the chaos in the Mafra Palace at the time, as the royal family was rushing to prepare for departure. Ultimately, the departure was successful, and the French army, which had aimed to capture the royal family, was left empty-handed, watching the departing royal fleet from the coast of Portugal.
In this experience, the scenery of one of the rooms of Mafra Palace, currently called “Diana’s Room,” was recreated. Using photogrammetry, we recreated the space as close to reality as possible, taking into account all the tiny details, including the fact that the currently existing splendid painting covering the ceiling of the room did not exist at that time.
MAFRA PALACE, SERVANTS PREPARING THE ROYAL FAMILY’S BELONGINGS FOR DEPARTURE

Belém Pier was another location recreated for our VR experience, as it was the place where the royal family boarded the royal fleet to travel to Brazil. Nowadays, this pier does not exist; therefore, to recreate this scenario, we used visual references such as paintings and maps that guided us to a more exact location and appearance.
BELÉM PIER, THE COURT DEPARTURE TO BRAZIL

GENERAL JUNOT AT BELÉM PIER AFTER THE DEPARTURE OF THE ROYAL FAMILY

In 1808, the siege of Elvas began; a few days later, the French officer and commander of the French-occupied Elvas fort, Gerard Novillar, took refuge in Forte da Graça and threatened to bombard the city if Spanish troops attacked the fort. Led by General Galluzo, the Spanish still fired against the Fort; however, they did not suffer any retaliation from the French. When the British officer Ross met with Novillar, he finally learned about the Sintra Convention. Meanwhile, a group of French officers was authorized to enter the city in order to collect the French wounded.
Today this monument still stands; therefore, to recreate this fort, photogrammetry of the space was carried out. The most modern elements were changed to resemble their aspect during the French invasions, according to historical and visual data, in order to maximize historical accuracy when portraying events such as the cannon shot, which served as warning for enemies not to advance.
ENTRANCE TO FORTE DA GRAÇA

FRENCH OFFICIAL RECEIVES NEWS OF THE SINTRA CONVENTION

In 1810, during the 3rd French invasion, English officer John Kincaid and Captain Simmons discovered a church in Arruda that had escaped damage. Inside, they found the body of an old woman who had died before the altar, likely unable to flee with the rest of the population. Moved by her plight, the two men respectfully buried her in one of the church's graves.
Within this VR experience, the Main Church of Arruda dos Vinhos, classified as a Property of Public Interest (IIP), was recreated in 3D using photogrammetry. It underwent some changes to the facade and interior to reflect the time accurately. Numerous references were used to achieve the greatest historical accuracy. For instance, to recreate the episode were used references from historical and editorial data, such as the book "Adventures in the Rifle Brigade, in the Peninsula, France, and the Netherlands from 1809 to 1815" by Captain J. Kincaid.
ELDERLY WOMAN FOUND DECEASED BEFORE THE ALTAR OF THE CHURCH

IGREJA MATRIZ IN ARRUDA DOS VINHOS

On October 11, 1810, Montbrun's cavalry division arrived in Sobral de Monte Agraço, but the combat only began the following day when the French army advanced towards the Church and the City Hall. The Anglo-Portuguese troops were defeated, and the town was taken by the French.
To portray this event, photogrammetry was used to capture the main square in the center of Sobral, where the battle took place. The 3D model of the area underwent changes to resemble its 19th-century appearance more accurately, including alterations to building facades, reducing the number of floors, and modifying the pavement of the square, among other adjustments.
CITY CENTER OF SOBRAL DE MONTE AGRAÇO BEFORE THE ATTACK

COMBAT OF SOBRAL DE MONTE AGRAÇO

GENERAL JUNOT, AFTER CONQUERING SOBRAL

During the planning of the Lines of Torres Vedras strategy, the Duke of Wellington had several concerns. One significant issue was the communication system, as Admiral Berkeley threatened to withdraw his sailors responsible for operating the telegraphs if they were not paid the supplement for their service on land. The problem was resolved when an officer introduced Francisco António Ciera, a Portuguese mathematician responsible for the creation of the Portuguese pointer telegraph, which was installed in all the forts.
The Fort of São Vicente, still existing today, was recreated in 3D based on visual references and historical data. This fort is part of the Lines of Torres Vedras, a defensive military system where the pointer telegraph and balloon telegraph were used to ensure efficient communication between different forts at the time of French invasions. The Lines were constructed between 1809 and 1810 to protect the city of Lisbon from potential French attacks. Likewise, the Lines of Torres Vedras played a crucial role in the defense of Portugal, preventing the advance of Napoleon's forces and contributing to the victory of the Allied forces in 1811.
THE "FIVE BALLOON" TELEGRAPH (1810)

FRANCISCO ANTÓNIO CIERA PRESENTING THE POINTER TELEGRAPH

The Ajuda Grande Fort was built at an altitude of 311 meters in the Santa Ajuda mountain range. From its extensive vantage point, it is possible to observe other military constructions of the Second Line of the defensive military system of the Lines of Torres Vedras.
The construction of this defensive system required substantial support and labor from the local population, who endured many sacrifices to contribute. It is estimated that around 150,000 peasants were employed in the construction of the Lines. This VR experience recreates these events to highlight the contribution of the Portuguese population to the construction of the Lines of Torres Vedras, as well as the footprint it left on Portuguese lands.
COLONEL RICHARD FLETCHER PLANNING THE CONSTRUCTION OF FORTS

PORTUGUESE POPULATION ESCAPING FROM THE FRENCH ARMY

In the VR experience, we recreated a moment when a cannon shot was fired from the Serra do Formoso Fort to demonstrate to Marshal Masséna the consequences of not retreating. As a result of the attack, a wall was knocked down, collapsing onto French soldiers hiding behind it. It is at this moment that Marshal Masséna appears and, in a gesture of surrender, takes off his hat, bows, and orders the withdrawal of the French forces. This episode marked a victory for the Allies.
CAPTAIN BARBOSA WITH AN ARTILLERY REGIMENT N4 IN SERRA DO FORMOSO FORT

MARSHAL MASSÉNA'S REACTION TO THE SHOT

For this project, a total of 72 characters were recreated, most of whom were real people of great importance during that period, such as the Portuguese royal family, military and political figures.
An in-depth and comprehensive investigation was carried out, including a survey and collection of visual reference materials and historical data, in collaboration with history experts. To recreate the characters accurately and capture their traits and individual characteristics, we used paintings of each person as references. This allowed us to portray these characters with historical accuracy.

Dona Maria I, also known as "Maria, the Pious" or “The Mad”, appears in the Virtual Reality (VR) experience of the municipality of Mafra, at the Belém pier, while embarking for Brazil. She was an extremely important figure in the history of Portugal. Reigning from 1777 to 1815, her government faced monumental challenges, such as the threat of Napoleonic invasion. Even thoughs he struggled mental health issues, her leadership and commitment to traditional Portuguese values were essential in maintaining national unity during a turbulent period in the country's history.

Dom John VI appears in the VR experience in the municipality of Mafra, where he is at the Belém pier to embark for Brazil. He is the son of D. Maria I; although he only ascended to the throne in 1816, he already ruled Portugal as regent during the tough period of the Napoleonic Invasions. Dom João VI transferred the Portuguese court to Brazil in 1808 to escape from the French troops; for this reason, he became known as “the fearful king”.

D. Carlota Joaquina appears in the VR experience of the municipality of Mafra, at the Belém pier, as she prepares to embark for Brazil. As the wife of D. João VI, the prince regent who transferred the Portuguese court to Brazil during the Napoleonic Invasions, she was Queen of Portugal and Brazil. Her influence on politics and the Portuguese court was significant, especially during the period when the royal family was in Brazil. Her presence helped shape the historical events that led to Brazil's independence and the court's return to Portugal.

Dom Manuel II of Portugal appears in the augmented reality experience in the municipality of Lourinhã, where he inaugurates the Commemorative Monument of the Battle of Vimeiro Centenary. As the last king of Portugal, he reigned during a period of political instability. Although he was not yet born during the French invasions, his reign took place in a context of political pressures and instability that began in the aftermath of the Napoleonic Invasions.

Throughout the project, Wellington appears in a variety of VR and AR experiences as one of the main characters of the French Invasions.
Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, was a British general best known for his military victories during the Napoleonic Invasions. Wellington's reputation as a military leader and statesman made him a prominent figure not only in British history but also in the history of Europe. He is remembered as one of the greatest generals in history and a key figure in the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Robert Craufurd was a British military officer who distinguished himself during the Napoleonic Invasions and commanded the Rifle Brigade in the Iberian Peninsula under the overall command of the Duke of Wellington. Craufurd fought in crucial battles, including the Battle of Bussaco. His contribution was fundamental to the Anglo-Portuguese defensive strategy and the defeat of French forces in the region. In the virtual experience in Mealhada, he is portrayed as a counselor to the Duke of Wellington, participating in the strategic planning for the Battle of Bussaco.

William Carr Beresford commanded British and Portuguese troops during the Napoleonic Invasions, playing a crucial role in defending Portugal against the French army and coordinating Allied forces in the Iberian Peninsula. Beresford worked closely with the British Army under the command of Arthur Wellesley. His leadership and strategic skills were fundamental in resisting Napoleon Bonaparte's French forces during this historical period.
Explore the augmented reality experience in the municipality of Almeida to hear firsthand from Beresford himself about the French Invasions in Portugal.

Marshal Masséna was an outstanding military commander during the Napoleonic Invasions in Portugal. He led French forces in several battles against Portuguese and British troops under the command of the Duke of Wellington, including the Battle of Bussaco in 1810, where the French forces were ultimately defeated by Portuguese and British troops. Despite achieving some tactical victories, he faced logistical and strategic difficulties that led to his retreat from Portugal. His leadership significantly influenced the course of military operations during that period in the Iberian Peninsula.

General Delaborde was a French general who participated in the French invasions of Portugal during the Napoleonic Invasions. Delaborde played a significant role in leading French forces in several battles against Allied troops commanded by Wellington, including the Battle of Roliça in 1808, where the French forces were forced to retreat by Portuguese and British troops.

Junot was a French military officer who commanded French troops during the first French Invasion of Portugal in 1807, with the objective of capturing the royal family and annexing Portugal. He gained prominence for his loyalty and military skills, participating in several campaigns. Junot notably led the French forces in the Battle of Vimeiro in 1808, where he was defeated by British forces.

During the Peninsular War, the British allied themselves with the Portuguese against the French. Each regiment had its own distinct uniforms, which helped soldiers differentiate themselves from other units on the battlefield. These uniforms also featured details indicating the wearer's rank, such as general, and foot soldier, among others. In total, approximately 60 different uniforms were created.
To achieve historical accuracy, extensive research and collection of both historical records and visual data were conducted in collaboration with historians and experts in the field. This meticulous process ensured that the uniforms and characters portrayed in our project were validated and accurately represented, allowing for precise development and improvements in the materials produced.

During the Napoleonic invasions, British uniforms were iconic with their red coats, matching trousers, hats or caps, and varied equipment crucial for protection and identification on the battlefield. These uniforms, adorned with distinctive details, reflected the era's military standards.
In the virtual and augmented reality experiences across several municipalities, BRITISH INFANTRY played a pivotal role in defending Portugal and expelling French troops from the Iberian Peninsula. Renowned for their tactical prowess in line and column formations, they adeptly utilized terrain to their advantage. Clad in red coats, they were equipped with flintlock muskets and bayonets for close combat.
The 95th RIFLE REGIMENT featured prominently in VR and AR experiences across Mealhada, Lourinhã, Sobral, and Arruda dos Vinhos. Distinguished by their green coats and trousers, they employed Baker rifles known for their accuracy, contrasting with the standard Brown Bess muskets.
The 71st REGIMENT (HIGHLAND) appeared in Lourinhã, Bombarral, and Sobral VR experiences. Originating from Scotland, they were known as the "Highland Light Infantry" (HLI), wearing traditional Scottish kilts that spoke of their heritage. Notably, George Clark's bagpipes echoed through the battle of Vimeiro, embodying their Scottish identity.

THE ROYAL ENGINEERS, represented by Richard Fletcher and William Ross, were featured in Lourinhã, Loures, and Torres Vedras VR and AR experiences. Responsible for military engineering, they provided crucial technical support to the British Armed Forces.
THE ROYAL HORSE ARTILLERY, recognized for their mobile firepower, appeared in the Elvas VR experience. Their uniforms, characterized by blue jackets with golden details, underscored their distinction within the British Army.
BRITISH NAVY OFFICERS operated British telegraphs during the Peninsular Wars, highlighted in AR experiences in Mafra and Torres Vedras.

During the Napoleonic Invasions, Portuguese military uniforms evolved under the influence of traditional styles and foreign designs, notably from Britain, reflecting their long-standing alliance. As the urgency of defending against Napoleon's forces grew, Portuguese uniforms underwent quick adaptations, often improvised from available materials, resulting in a diverse array worn by Portuguese troops.
THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE ROYAL POLICE GUARD, tasked with maintaining public order in Lisbon, wore distinctive uniforms adorned with gold or yellow details and feathered barretinas. These uniforms are showcased in the Mafra VR experience.
HUNTERS, renowned for their marksmanship and stealth, adopted earth-toned colors for effective camouflage, featured in the VR and AR experiences of Mealhada and Mortágua.
PORTUGUESE COMMANDERS, distinguished by their authority, wore elaborate attire with tricorns or bicorns and crimson sashes, aiming to stand out on the battlefield. This commanding presence is highlighted in the Vila Franca de Xira VR and AR experience.

Blue uniforms, typical of artillery and infantry, incorporated varying colored details to distinguish different regiments on the battlefield. REGIMENT 23 is depicted across VR experiences in Arruda dos Vinhos, Elvas, Mortágua, Mealhada, Penacova, Loures, Lourinhã, Sobral, Vila Franca de Xira, and Torres Vedras. THE 21ST REGIMENT is featured in the Bombarral VR experience, while THE 1ST REGIMENT ARTILLERY is showcased in the Mafra AR experience.

During the Napoleonic Invasions, French uniforms reflected Napoleon Bonaparte's grandeur and strategic emphasis on style and uniformity, reinforcing troop morale and his leadership image. These uniforms often incorporated colors from the French flag.
THE CHASSEURS OR HORSE HUNTERS OF THE 21ST REGIMENT, featured in the Elvas VR experience, undertook diverse roles such as reconnaissance, patrolling, officer escort, and communication during Napoleonic campaigns.
Soldiers from the 70TH REGIMENT of the 3rd Invasion are depicted in VR experiences across Almeida, Arruda dos Vinhos, Mortágua, Mealhada, Penacova, Sobral, and Torres Vedras.
THE ESTREMADURA ARMY, commanded by General Galluzzo, is highlighted in the Elvas VR experience, showcasing Spanish troops under French command adopting French influences in their uniforms, including colors from the French flag and loyalty emblems.

HANOVERIAN LEGION RIFLEMEN AND INFANTRY soldiers played crucial offensive roles during the invasions, appearing in VR experiences in Lourinhã, Almeida, Mortágua, Bombarral, Elvas, Vila Franca de Xira, as well as in AR in Almeida and Mealhada.
THE FRENCH 70TH REGIMENT INFANTRY unit participated in combat and military tasks throughout Napoleon's campaigns, seen in VR experiences in Mealhada, Almeida, Mortágua, Penacova, Loures, Sobral, Torres Vedras, and Arruda dos Vinhos.
FRENCH DRAGOON REGIMENTS, under Margaron's command, specialized in mounted combat and reconnaissance. Their distinctive uniform included a neo-Greek style helmet adorned with black horsehair, while officers wore imitation leopard skin and plumes. This uniform is showcased in the Lourinhã and Elvas VR experiences.

To reinforce the Thematic Network of French Invasions in Portugal, we developed a mobile application that combines technological innovation with sensory experiences. Faithful to historical facts, our approach ensures technical and visual quality, transporting users through time and space.
The app's design, inspired by the military forces present during the French Invasions in Portugal, uses colors like blue, green, and red to evoke the drama of war. Navigation is simple and intuitive: after initial registration and instructions, users open a map to see their location. If they are near points of interest, specific activation locations are shown. Selecting a location starts the augmented reality (AR) experience if the user is present; otherwise, a prompt directs them to move to the point.

Navigation occurs in real-time, with locations and user positions represented by "tin soldiers" that move across maps. The first view is a general map of Portugal, while the second zooms into specific regions showing AR activation points. The app alerts users when they are near these points, triggering the experience automatically. Progress is clearly indicated, with a list of point types found in each region, encouraging 100% completion. Users can consult points and regions even if they are not currently in them.

Points of interest include characters, monuments, military equipment, and interactive narrative events. By visiting these points, users climb the leaderboard. The app features a digital passport, marking visited points and encouraging further exploration. A points system rewards users for visits, interactions, and time spent in regions, translating into ranks celebrated with messages or interactions with narrative characters. Users can also view statistics and scores for different users.
Each point of interest activates the AR experience. The app uses the smartphone's location to determine availability. Users must point their smartphones to ensure correct perspective and tracking. The 3D content is realistic, animated, and optimized for smartphones, featuring audio, animation, and interaction for manipulating 3D objects.
One such activation is located in Loures at the site of the Ajuda Grande Fort, built at an altitude of 311 meters in the Santa Ajuda mountain range. As part of the strategy to defeat the French troops, the Anglo-Portuguese army destroyed several windmills and repurposed them as defense structures in the Lines of Torres, also using some as warehouses. In this experience, users can learn about the windmill and its owner during the French invasions.

BLOW INTO THE DEVICE’S MICROPHONE TO SIMULATE WIND AND MAKE THE WINDMILL BLADES MOVE.

Visit Serra do Socorro, one of the AR activations located in Mafra, and learn how to use the 5-balloon Telegraph, a key communication tool during the French Invasions. This telegraph ensured efficient communication between different forts in the Lines of Torres Vedras. Its effectiveness was crucial to the victorious strategy defined by the Duke of Wellington.

POSITION THE ELEMENTS CORRECTLY TO SEND A MESSAGE AND WARN YOUR ALLIES.

Do you know what you need to load and fire a cannon? If not, visit the Fort of Zambujal, constructed in 1809-10 at an altitude of 102 meters. This fort was one of the key military structures built by British and Portuguese troops to protect Lisbon from French forces, forming part of the Second Line of defense in the Lines of Torres Vedras.

GATHER THE VARIOUS EQUIPMENTS SCATTERED AROUND THE FORT OF ZAMBUJAL, BRING THEM TO THE CANNON, AND FIRE A SHOT!

In the chaos of battle, musical instruments play a crucial role, serving as a secret language among soldiers. While invisible to the enemy, this code is clear to those who understand it. At the Interpretation Center "Mortágua in the Battle of Bussaco" in Mortágua, visitors are challenged to listen carefully to three different bugle calls and interpret their meanings to choose the action the soldier must perform: "charge," "shoot," or "cease-fire." Will you get it right?

Within the mobile application, the Runner Game was developed to give users the adrenaline rush of being a soldier in combat. The user, playing as a soldier running across the battlefield, aims to collect as many objects as possible to achieve a high score.

MECHANICS:
1. Slide the soldier sideways on the screen to pick up as many objects as possible and achieve a higher score.
2. Avoid obstacles. 3. Collect wine bottles to attract more assets.
4. Collect medical instruments to gain immortality.

Relive the history of Portugal during Napoleon's Peninsular Wars in augmented reality! Explore new places, meet historic characters, earn points, and rise in the ranks of the Duke of Wellington's army. Mobile application is available for both Android and iOS

A website was also created as part of the project, allowing you to virtually explore some of the 19th-century history of Portugal and "whet your appetite" for a physical visit to various significant sites from the Peninsular War. Each territory offers diverse and memorable experiences. Let your curiosity guide you as you explore the website, install the app, and embrace the adventurous spirit to embark on a journey back in time to 19th-century Portugal. Walk the sidewalks, roads, and paths that Napoleon and Wellington's armies once traveled. Visit the website to uncover all the history, gastronomy, landscapes, and sites of this unique itinerary. Discover History, discover Portugal!

DIRECTION – Helder da Rocha Pereira
CREATIVE DIRECTION – Arina Zhumasheva
3D DIRECTION – Nazariy Voloshchuk
SOUND DESIGN – Juliana Quintas
DESIGN – Arina Zhumasheva
MOTION DESIGN – Adrian Soto
3D PRODUCTION – Nazariy Voloshchuk, Aleksei Kurilov, Joana Vieira, Beatriz Sales, Duarte Carvalho
ANIMATION – Duarte Carvalho, Beatriz Sales
DEVELOPMENT – Maurício Ferreira, Felipe Gomes, Juliana Quintas
INSTALLATION & SUPPORT – Fernando Madaleno