Video credit: Microsoft & Iconem

Case Study

Preserving and enhancing St. Peter's Basilica through AI

In collaboration with Microsoft, Iconem, and Reply, the Vatican has transformed how audiences engage with cultural heritage by creating a digital twin of St. Peter’s Basilica. This groundbreaking project utilizes AI, photogrammetry, and advanced educational tools to preserve, enhance, and broaden access to this iconic spiritual and architectural treasure.

#Digital Experience
#Artificial Intelligence
#Digital Twin

THE VISION

To bridge ancient heritage with modern technology, preserving St. Peter's Basilica for future generations, while expanding global connections and setting a precedent for ethical AI in cultural preservation.

SCENARIO

Enhancing global access and preservation

The Vatican, home to the Pope and iconic landmarks like St. Peter's Basilica, plays a crucial role in global diplomacy and social advocacy. In the lead up to the 2025 Jubilee, the goal of the digital twin of St. Peter’s Basilica was to enhance global access and understanding by enabling virtual exploration of its historical, artistic, and spiritual significance. The initiative allows global visitors to experience the Basilica virtually, providing access to its history, art, and architecture through a photorealistic 3D experience. Additionally, it demonstrates the potential of AI in cultural preservation.

Image credit: Microsoft & Iconem

WHAT WE DID

Creating a 3D digital twin of St. Peter’s Basilica

Valorem Reply and Sagepath Reply, in collaboration with Microsoft and Iconem, developed an immersive digital experience website to depict the story of St. Peter’s life and the physical history of the Basilica. The focal point of this experience is a highly accurate digital twin, using an Azure-based point cloud 3D representation of the modern Basilica.

The interactive web platform integrates immersive storytelling elements such as audio, video, and time-lapse models to engage users. AI-driven tools were incorporated for structural analysis, ensuring the Basilica’s long-term preservation. Design Thinking workshops were conducted to align the platform with stakeholder needs, and the solution’s scalable architecture supports millions of users, especially during high-traffic events like the Jubilee.

Images credit: Microsoft & Iconem

Key features of the experience

THE IMPACT

Expanding worldwide engagement and securing cultural legacy

This project has increased global engagement by enabling Catholics from around the world to virtually connect with St. Peter’s Basilica. AI-powered structural analysis ensures the Basilica’s preservation for future generations. The platform’s scalable model can accommodate high volumes of visitors, including during the 2025 Jubilee, and serves as a model for similar initiatives worldwide. This digital twin has redefined how people experience St. Peter’s Basilica, blending technology with cultural conservation to ensure this extraordinary site remains accessible and preserved for generations to come.

Global engagement

Over 1.4 billion Catholics can connect virtually, deepening their spiritual and cultural connection to St. Peter, the Basilica and the Catholic religion.

Ethical AI application

Aligns with the Vatican’s "Rome Call for AI Ethics," establishing a standard for cultural preservation.

Scalable model

Accommodates future high-traffic events like the 2025 Jubilee.