The Vatican goes digital: a virtual twin of St. Peter's Basilica reveals its secrets
20-11-24
St. Peter's Basilica, the heart of the Vatican, has taken a step towards modernity with the creation of a digital twin that allows its architectural and artistic details to be explored as never before. This project, the result of a collaboration between the French company Iconem and Microsoft, has used artificial intelligence and photogrammetry to offer an immersive and detailed experience of this emblematic temple.
The initiative has required two and a half years of meticulous work. To capture every corner of the basilica, 400,000 high-definition photographs were taken, covering approximately 10 square kilometers of mosaics composed of half-centimeter tesserae. Yves Ubelmann, French architect and founder of Iconem, explained that his team divided the basilica into 20 billion points, using drones and specialized cameras to obtain precise images.
“It took us a month and a half to cover the entire surface. Then we dumped all that information into a single database to combine it. As a result, the complexity of the technology that the Renaissance architects used to construct this building comes to light. There are many spaces that are not visible, which are essential to support the dome,” Ubelmann explained.
With the help of artificial intelligence software, visual data from photographs were connected to build a 3D model of the basilica. This process filled in the gaps, unified the lighting and gave depth, achieving an extremely realistic representation.
Beyond the visual recreation, the digital twin has made it possible to identify structural and mosaic damage in the basilica. For example, areas of missing tesserae in the dome have been detected, as well as the beginnings of cracks and fissures that will serve as a basis for future restoration work. Artificial intelligence has facilitated faster and more accurate detection of these problems, surpassing traditional human capabilities.
One of the main goals of the project is to democratize access to St. Peter's Basilica. Through an ultra-realistic web platform, users can explore the different structural layers of the building, understand the architectural solutions of the Renaissance, and appreciate artistic details otherwise inaccessible to the human eye. This tool offers an educational and spiritual experience, bringing the Vatican heritage closer to people around the world.
In addition to the digital platform, the Vatican has inaugurated a new area in previously unused rooms on the roof of the basilica. This space features an immersive exhibition that projects life-size details of the basilica's artistic and architectural heritage. This initiative allows visitors to better perceive the complexity of the building and appreciate aspects that previously went unnoticed.
The organizers of the project emphasize that the tour has been designed in a way that respects the environments and the basilica. “It is an exemplary model because it is not a toxic use of technology, which is not invasive of the spirituality, history and value of this place,” said Jesuit Francesco Occheta, coordinator of the space.
The project, called 'St. Peter's Basilica: AI-Enhanced Experience,' does not end here. In January, Microsoft will launch a version of Minecraft set in the Vatican, seeking to attract younger generations and encourage their interest in cultural and spiritual heritage.
This initiative represents a milestone in the preservation and dissemination of historical heritage, combining tradition and technology to preserve and share the cultural richness of St. Peter's Basilica with the whole world.
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