Pétros ení. Saint Peter’s Digital Experience

A journey that weaves together spirituality, art and technology in a unique blend of past and present. Built around the figure of St. Peter, the immersive exhibition “Pétros ení” (“Peter is here”) is housed inside St. Peter’s Basilica, specifically in the “Octagon Halls” located inside one of the monumental pillars supporting the Dome, restored for the occasion by the skilled artisans of the Fabbrica di San Pietro.

The title of the exhibition refers to the famous Greek inscription graffitied on a fragment of red plaster found near the apostle’s burial place during the excavations commissioned by Pius XII between 1939 and 1949, which would indicate the presence of the saint’s remains. The exhibition reveals, on the one hand, the origins of the Basilica and its construction history and, on the other, guides the visitor through the key events of the apostle’s life, up to his martyrdom. The story of Peter is interwoven with that of the Basilica, which is shown as it evolves through the centuries.

The project is the result of collaboration between the Fabbrica di San Pietro, Microsoft, Iconem and other international partners. This unprecedented immersion in the history and architecture of the papal basilica, universally recognised as the center of Christianity, was made possible by over 400,000 photographs taken, which made it possible to digitise Saint Peter’s Basilica in 3D and create a faithful “digital twin”, with the support of artificial intelligence. This model not only allows visitors to virtually explore the Basilica in a totally innovative way but that also serves as a powerful tool for the maintenance, management and preservation of the immense artistic heritage contained within it.

The exhibition is open every day from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with possible closures during liturgical celebrations at the main altars. Tickets can be purchased online at the official website www.basilicasanpietro.va, or on site at the reception area.

Photo basilicasanpietro.va