AI Brings Historic Landmarks to Life—but at What Cost?
Published: November 28th, 2024.
Saint Peter’s Basilica has gone digital. Thanks to Microsoft’s “AI-Enhanced Experience,” you can now explore a virtual replica of one of the most iconic historical sites in the world. The entire Basilica has been recreated with stunning detail using drones, lasers, and artificial intelligence. It’s a wild idea: anyone with an internet connection can now “visit” a place that has drawn pilgrims and tourists for centuries. But as incredible as this sounds, it raises a big question: Are we losing something essential when we turn these historic, tangible places into digital experiences? Or is this the best way to preserve and share them with the world?
There’s no denying that this kind of project has huge benefits. Saint Peter’s Basilica is a masterpiece of architecture and history, but it’s also in constant need of maintenance. By creating a digital twin, experts can identify weak spots, like cracks in the structure or missing tiles in its mosaics, and address them before they become bigger problems. In this sense, AI isn’t just about accessibility; it’s about preservation.
Then there’s the accessibility factor. Not everyone has the time, money, or ability to travel to places like Rome. AI bridges that gap. A student in a small town, someone with mobility challenges, or a history buff on the other side of the world can now “step inside” the Basilica and explore its hidden corners. You’re not just seeing a photo; you’re getting an immersive, interactive experience that brings history to life. And it’s not just for Saint Peter’s—this technology could revolutionize how we access and understand all historical landmarks.
It’s easy to argue that this makes the world fairer. Why should experiencing the grandeur of these places be limited to those who can afford to get there? AI levels the playing field, offering a way to connect with history that’s more inclusive than ever before.
As exciting as all this sounds, it also feels a little...flat. Historic places like Saint Peter’s Basilica are more than just their visuals. They’re about atmosphere: the echo of footsteps in ancient halls, the smell of old stone, the quiet awe that comes from standing in a space that has witnessed centuries. No matter how good the AI model is, it can’t capture those intangible details.
There’s also a danger in making these places too accessible. Part of what makes visiting a site like Saint Peter’s so impactful is the effort it takes to get there. It’s not just about seeing the Basilica—it’s about the journey, the anticipation, and how being there connects you to the past. When you can click your way through these places, do they start to feel less special?
And let’s not ignore the potential for digital overload. If everything becomes available at the click of a button, do we risk devaluing the real thing? When you can “visit” historic sites between emails and social media scrolls, they might start to feel like just another piece of digital content.
This isn’t just about Saint Peter’s Basilica. AI is opening the door to a new way of experiencing the world’s most famous landmarks. Today, it’s the Basilica. Tomorrow, it could be the Pyramids of Giza or the ruins of Machu Picchu. Are we heading toward a future where we explore history through headsets and screens instead of in person? And if we are, is that a bad thing—or just a different kind of connection?
Maybe the answer lies in finding balance. AI shouldn’t replace the act of visiting these places—it should complement it. For those who can’t travel, it’s a gift. For those who can, it’s a way to dive deeper into what they’ll see in person. It can enhance, but it shouldn’t diminish.
The question isn’t whether AI can recreate the past—it already has. The real question is whether we’ll use it to bring people closer to history or let it replace the things that make these places worth preserving. If we’re not careful, we might trade the magic of being there for the convenience of seeing it—and some things are worth more than convenience.