The birth of “Lumina” and its objectives

Meraki Cultura Audiovisual, a company specialized in the creation of experiences that combine technology and heritage, has carried out the project “Lumina Catedral de Toledo” for the Cabildo de la Catedral Primada de España. “Lumina” opened its doors in December 2023, becoming the first of the celebrations that will mark the VIII Centenary of the Gothic Cathedral of Toledo, an event that will conclude with the celebration of the Jubilee Year of the Cathedral (2026-2027). 

In this context, “Lumina” emerges as a bridge between past and future, a cutting-edge experience in which technology serves religious heritage, bringing the spiritual richness of this flagship temple of Christianity to a wide and diverse audience through a new audiovisual language. 

“Lumina Catedral de Toledo” was built pursuing the following objectives: 

• To increase the tourist offer of the monument: “Lumina” was designed as a complementary product to the daytime visits, expanding the tourist offer of the Cathedral. This also provides an additional source of income for the maintenance and conservation of its heritage.

• Boosting the local economy: “Lumina” expanded the nighttime cultural offerings of Toledo, a time of the day that had previously been less popular with tourists. With this initiative, the range of cultural offerings was expanded, encouraging not only overnight stays in the city, but also the opening of other leisure establishments such as bars, restaurants, stores, etc.

• Adaptability and plasticity: Given its technological nature, “Lumina Catedral de Toledo” is a “living” experience, a tour open to changes and modifications that allow this innovative tourism product to be adapted to future commemorations, liturgical festivities, new milestones, etc.

• Reinforcement of the city as a tourist destination: “Lumina” has turned the city into a pioneering tourist destination when it comes to hosting immersive experiences in its Cathedral, placing the city of Toledo as an international benchmark in religious and cultural tourism.

• Spiritual and catechetical purpose: this has been one of the key objectives of “Lumina”. Due to the liturgical purpose of the cathedral and the link between heaven and earth, the historical and cultural reading of its heritage must be completed with the spiritual, theological and iconographic, otherwise it would be incomplete. Making these discourses converge and be understandable and enjoyable for all audiences (Catholics and non-Catholics, academics, children and adults) has been a major challenge, but those who live it with faith will have a very intimate experience to live more fully the VIII Centenary of the Cathedral (2026). 

Technology to communicate and excite

In addition to being governed by the highest criteria of environmental sustainability, the project has been developed under two fundamental premises: absolute respect for the temple and the conservation of its cultural heritage, a work of great technical complexity that has been an unprecedented challenge in all its aspects.

The first of the challenges that the technical team had to face was the creation, for the first time in history, of the 3D elevation of the Primate Cathedral: more than ten million polygons obtained after taking 5,000 photographs processed for days, which made it possible to study in depth the architecture and the artistic works housed inside, forming the basis on which the experience was designed.

Based on this information, together with a previous documentation work with a deep historical and patrimonial research of the Cathedral carried out by historians in archives, libraries, etc., the tour and the script were designed, always focused on the visitor's experience: a 360º sensory itinerary in which the different spaces of the Cathedral come alive before the eyes of the traveler. An experience that involves all the senses, as “Lumina” has aromatherapy devices at strategic points along the route, reinforcing the sensory nature of an experience that stands out for its careful script and artistic taste, the result of close collaboration between Meraki Cultura Audiovisual and the Cabildo Primado.

The use of videomapping, a high-definition projection system that allows storytelling through dynamic images projected directly onto the surfaces of the Cathedral, stands out in “Lumina”. Awarded the prize “Best Video Mapping 2024 in Spain” at the prestigious AV Integration Awards, this technology allows light, color and movement to take over the different landmarks of the temple, such as “El Transparente” by Narciso Tomé, a jewel of Spanish Baroque, or the façade of the Chapel of San Pedro, to which it restores its original splendor. 

In turn, sound plays a key role, creating an immersive atmosphere that complements the visual projections. A state-of-the-art surround system allows visitors to feel how the narrations and music envelop the entire space, intensifying the emotional connection with the experience. In addition to a stunning soundtrack selected specifically for the project, “Lumina” features a carefully selected voice cast that uses acclaimed voice actors to narrate and guide the traveler through the tour.

Light, the third technological pillar of “Lumina”, highlights the beauty of the spaces without compromising the architectural integrity of the temple through the use of an advanced LED system, an installation that improves the economic and environmental impact of the Cathedral, promoting sustainability thanks to the great energy savings and the long durability of the devices that this type of technology entails.

The visitor will be invited to embrace the extraordinary, an initiative full of emotion with a careful narrative approach and a successful conjunction of all these elements making “Lumina” a unique experience in the world: an immersive project of great scope and exceptional for these characteristics, in which it is the experience itself that guides the traveler through the different spaces of the temple and whose technological integration must be perfect; an achievement that has earned the attention of numerous international media specialized in technology.

This ambitious project would not have been possible without the dedication of a multidisciplinary team made up of 29 highly qualified experts: audiovisual and videomapping technicians, historians, cultural managers, scriptwriters, specialists in communication, marketing, events, economics, software, graphic designers, blacksmiths, carpenters, etc. In short, the entire Meraki Cultura Audiovisual team has worked tirelessly to create a project that offers an intimate and profound dialogue between the traveler and the very essence of the Cathedral, innovating in the result of the experience but also in the methodology used.

The impact of “Lumina Catedral de Toledo”: main milestones and achievements

In December 2024, Lumina celebrates its first anniversary, a year full of success and recognition. During its first months of life, the experience has received more than 17,000 national and international visitors, a figure that exemplifies how new technologies at the service of heritage enhance the value of religious spaces, attracting public interest in this new type of initiative that unites heritage, spirituality and technology.

“Lumina” has contributed significantly to strengthening the Toledo destination in religious and cultural tourism, generating a positive impact on the city by attracting both pilgrims and tourists interested in living unique immersive and cultural experiences. In addition to the consequent increase in the number of visitors, it has enabled a profound change in the city's tourism model, since the nocturnal nature of the experience has contributed to diversifying the offer, expanding it beyond traditional daytime tourism. In this way, daytime “round-trip” visits are reduced, with more and more visitors deciding to stay overnight in the city to enjoy this high quality nighttime experience, generating a synergy that benefits Toledo and its business fabric. 

This novel character, together with the unique identity of the experience, has led to “Lumina” being present at fairs such as FITUR 2024, where it was highlighted as an example of innovation in cultural tourism by Turespaña during the presentation at its official stand. In addition, in October it was presented at “Peregrina”, the International Fair of Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage that took place during the celebration of the First International Exhibition of Sacred Art in Torremolinos, Malaga.

«Lumina» and the future of religious and spiritual tourism

«Lumina Toledo Cathedral» represents a new paradigm in religious and spiritual tourism. By combining cutting-edge technology with a deep respect for the sacredness of the space, it has shown that it is possible to attract a diverse public without compromising the religious essence and conservation of the monuments.

The experience offers a new audiovisual language, simple and understandable for all audiences (regardless of their beliefs or culture of origin), which brings each visitor closer to the spiritual and cultural essence of the Toledo Cathedral. «Lumina» inspires, allows reflection and delves into spirituality, making technological innovation a new tool for evangelization and dissemination of culture.

This initiative has sparked the interest of numerous institutions and media (national and international), as well as other religious entities (churches, cathedrals and dioceses) that seek to revitalize their monuments and attract new audiences, offering a high-quality tourism product that respects the spiritual meaning and essence of each space. And it is not just a visual experience, but an emotional journey that, in the middle of the night, encourages an encounter with the history and spiritual meaning of the Cathedral, an intimate connection with the space that is an indelible memory for those who visit it.

In short, on its first anniversary, “Lumina Toledo Cathedral” is consolidating itself as a world reference in the integration of technology and cultural and religious heritage, a project that revalues ​​and enhances sacred spaces by offering a 21st century experience that is accessible and fun for all audiences. A unique tourist phenomenon that consolidates the image of Toledo and Spain as an essential destination for spiritual and cultural tourism.

“Lumina Toledo Cathedral” is a fascinating journey to the heart of the Primate Cathedral of Spain. An invitation to experience religious heritage as never seen before. Let yourself be guided by the light…