In the Hidden Heart of Syracuse – San Giovanni Complex

Making visible and understandable the exceptional monumental and liturgical value of thousand-year-old spaces that today appear fragmentary or lack their original roofing. The project aims to restore the architectural grandeur of the monuments and reveal ancient rites that would otherwise be difficult to decipher, translating historical accuracy into immediate, engaging visual models.

A multimedia experience in Location-Based Experience (LBE) format, made up of a continuous piece of virtual reality content, which can be enjoyed as an introduction or as a final in-depth section to the physical guided tour. It uses immersive technology to bring to life three historical scenes of great impact, virtually leading visitors from outside the basilica down into the depths of the catacomb.

Reconstructing lost heritage: VR technology makes it possible to see the architecture of the Basilica of San Giovanni as it was in the Norman era, virtually restoring the roof of the church, which today stands open to the sky, and showing the surrounding historical landscape with its river and period market.
Reviving ancient rites: The public observes history up close, witnessing first-hand the burial rite led by the priest at the majestic Rotunda of Adelfia and the evocative libation ritual of the refrigerium along the underground galleries.
Enhancement and flexibility: The choice to place the content before or after the guided tour enriches the site’s cultural offering, providing an effective key to interpretation and excellent memorability for the whole archaeological route.