Tradition and innovation in Mediterranean inner rural areas. The role of sustainable technology on preserving traditional architecture and creating Smart Villages comparing Palermo and Valencia

The objective of this research is to explore pathways for the creation of Smart Villages in theMediterranean context, with a focus on the Madonie Park—an extensive area comprising 21 municipalitieswithin a UNESCO Global Geopark—and the Province of Castellón in Valencia. These rural territories are currentlyaffected by depopulation, demographic decline, and limited employment opportunities. Through a comparativemethodology applied to the villages of Polizzi Generosa and Morella, the study investigates technologicalimplementations in buildings and public spaces able to demonstrate how sustainability and technologicalinnovation can coexist with the preservation of architectural heritage, local history, and cultural identity. Theresults show that the ‘intelligence’ of these places lies in their capacity to achieve high standards of quality of lifewithout altering the intrinsic values of protected and well-preserved environments. By integrating tradition andinnovation, these villages can offer a contemporary and sustainable model of living, providing an alternative tothe dynamics of large metropolitan centres. The scientific contribution of this study lies in proposing a replicablesmart rehabilitation workflow tailored to Mediterranean inner rural contexts, grounded in comparativetypological analysis and compatible technological integration.