The Virtual Basilica of St. Paul in Rome

FAIN: FEL-273923-21

Nicola Camerlenghi
Dartmouth College (Hanover, NH 03755-1808)

Preparation for a virtual reality experience of the Basilica of St. Paul’s Outside the Walls in Rome as it appeared in seven historical periods.

The Virtual Basilica of St. Paul in Rome is an interactive Virtual Reality project that offers an exploratory, educational, and engaging experience of one of the world’s most historically and spiritually influential buildings. St. Paul’s was the last imperial basilica built in Rome, the city’s second largest church, and the epicenter of worship for its namesake until a fateful fire reduced it to rubble in 1823. Today, the basilica reconstructed on the site only loosely reflects the original, but it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Monument. Over the course of 10 years, I have digitally recreated the original basilica during salient moments of its millennial history. That work culminated in a book and website. With support from an NEH-Mellon grant, I wish to publish an annotated VR model for students, scholars, and all interested in the history of Rome and of Christianity. Additionally, this project presents an opportunity to address the value of VR as a broad-reaching, humanistic tool.