You can now virtually explore the Vatican’s St. Peter’s Basilica thanks to AI

The Vatican, in collaboration with Microsoft, has launched a digital replica of St. Peter’s Basilica. Thanks to this project, millions of visitors worldwide can explore the historic site – well, at least virtually. What makes it extra interesting is that the project used artificial intelligence and advanced photogrammetry in cultural heritage preservation.

The ultra-precise 3D model was made using 400,000 high-resolution images captured with drones, cameras, and lasers over a four-week period when the basilica was empty. As a result, it encompasses a staggering 22 petabytes of data! For reference, that’s “enough to fill five million DVDs”, as Brad Smith, Microsoft’s president said.

Developed in partnership with digital preservation firm Iconem, the replica not only enables virtual exploration but also helps the Vatican in two important efforts. First, it helps to manage visitor flows and second, it allows identifying structural issues invisible to the naked eye. This includes damage such as cracks or missing mosaic pieces.

Smith described the project as “literally one of the most technologically advanced and sophisticated projects of its kind that has ever been pursued.” The digital twin goes online alongside two new on-site exhibits, providing interactive experiences for both physical and virtual visitors.

The initiative arrives in time for the Vatican’s 2025 Jubilee, a holy year expected to draw over 30 million pilgrims to the basilica, in addition to the typical 50,000 daily visitors. For the first time, visitors can reserve entry slots, reducing long wait times and enhancing the overall experience.

Pope Francis, a vocal advocate for the ethical use of artificial intelligence, praised the project during an audience with the development team. “This house of prayer for all peoples has been entrusted to us… It is a gift and a task to care for it, in both a spiritual and material sense, even through the latest technologies,” he said.

The digital twin project follows similar Microsoft’s initiatives at Mont Saint-Michel in France and Ancient Olympia in Greece. You can explore the Basilica here.

[via Associated Press]

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