vatican and microsoft unveil virtual st. peter's basilica for 2025
The Jubilee Year 2025 is swiftly approaching. In preparation for this significant event, numerous renovations are underway in Rome. However, that's not all. The Vatican and Microsoft are collaborating on an intriguing project that will allow tourists worldwide to virtually experience the renowned basilica.
12 November 2024 13:38
The upcoming Jubilee Year 2025 will officially commence on Tuesday, December 24 at 11:30 AM Eastern Time with the opening of the Holy Doors at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. This basilica is also central to a project where the Vatican, alongside Microsoft, is employing AI tools to create a digital representation.
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The virtual "twin" of the famous basilica
"This is the first project of its kind on such a scale," emphasized the archpriest of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, and Microsoft's President Brad Smith in an interview with Roman media.
The project employs a colossal 400,000 photos of the basilica, which have been meticulously linked using artificial intelligence tools. In this manner, a virtual version of the sacred building has been created. Tourists from across the globe can embark on a virtual tour of the Roman temple without leaving their homes.
Cardinal Gambetti remarked, "With this project, through digital technology, we want the history, art, and spirituality that make the basilica uniquely accessible to everyone." Microsoft President Brad Smith added, "It's probably the most ambitious project of this kind humanity has seen so far."
It has been announced that the site can be virtually toured through an interactive website - virtual.basilicasanpietro.va.
Grand ambitions
Furthermore, starting in January 2025, an educational Minecraft project will enable young people to explore St. Peter's Basilica through the popular online game.
Source: opoka.org.pl/basilicasanpietro.va
