Microsoft and Vatican revive Saint Peter's Basilica using AI

One of the oldest institutions in the world, the Vatican is partnering with Microsoft to use the most innovative technology, that of artificial intelligence, to enhance the cultural and spiritual heritage of St. Peter's Basilica. An initiative that focuses on modern technology for eternal monuments, part of the work of Microsoft's research lab, AI for Good lab.

Bringing the greatest monument of the Renaissance and the Catholic Church into the digital world - following Microsoft's digitisation of Ancient Olympia in Greece and Mont-Saint-Michel in France - with the help of AI and technologies that didn't even exist until 12 months ago, creates a unique dialogue between physical and digital space through the world's most complete 3D digital model, now making it possible for literally everyone to enjoy the monument at a distance, whether they can visit or not.

The digital representation of the Basilica offers the opportunity for everyone to see a monument as no one has seen it before. The boundaries of exploration of a building - even of this scale - are truly expanded through the use of AI, contributing to a better understanding of the building as well as its conservation and restoration, an additional great dimension beyond the creation of a digital twin of a World Heritage Site.

The Vatican and Microsoft's joining forces on this project includes an exhibition at the Basilica with AI-powered exhibits and an interactive website offering global access to the iconic monument. At the same time, it highlights how modern cutting-edge technologies can connect us to our past and history. Through this collaboration - and any similar AI for Good lab project - the focus is on the accessibility of historic monuments and sites and the opportunity to experience history in a way never before possible.