St. Peter’s Basilica, a major pilgrimage site, receives around 15 million visitors annually. It is renowned for its Renaissance and Baroque architecture, with contributions from famous artists like Michelangelo and Bernini.
The Fabbrica di San Pietro, a Catholic institution responsible for the conservation and maintenance of St. Peter’s Basilica, has partnered with Microsoft to create a “digital twin” of the Basilica. This ultra-precise virtual reconstruction allows pilgrims and visitors to explore the structure virtually.
To execute this project, Microsoft collaborated with Iconem, a leader in digital preservation known for creating 3D replicas of the world’s most famous historical landmarks and archaeological sites. Microsoft used Azure, photogrammetry, and AI to create an ultra-precise virtual reconstruction of St. Peter’s Basilica.