The “San Giovanni in 3D” project is now available in its beta version for test groups in schools within the Diocese of Alba, with a public release scheduled for spring 2025.
THE PROJECT
The idea for the project was initiated by the San Giovanni Association, which manages the San Giovanni Space adjacent to the church and has always been committed to promoting the building and its treasures. The aim was to make guided tours of the sacred art in San Giovanni accessible to everyone in a decentralized, replicable, and, above all, immersive and emotional way through 3D technology.
The inspiration came from other examples of sacred art digitization, such as the Mission Church in Mondovì, the Milan Cathedral, and the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City.
To enhance and make the church’s heritage accessible through an immersive narrative experience (lived in first person), all the artworks and the building structure were digitized. These are presented with a narrating voice and visualized in 360° virtual reality and 3D using dedicated headsets. Additionally, there is the possibility of mirroring a headset’s view onto a 65” monitor via Wi-Fi.
The virtual tour of the Church of San Giovanni is enriched by a historical and exhibition overview of the “Major Renaissance Painters” of Piedmont, contemporaries of Macrino, such as Gandolfino da Roreto and Gaudenzio Ferrari.
The project was made possible thanks to funding from the PNRR TOCC Call for the support of cultural and creative sectors for innovation and digital transition, as well as a contribution from the CRC Foundation to enhance and test the 3D experience in local school classrooms.
THE FLUID MUSEUM
The experience is designed with the concept of a “Fluid Museum” in mind, meaning it can be utilized in any setting. However, in its permanent form, it is intended to take place within the building itself (both the church and the San Giovanni Space).
The very use of the virtual reality system is a technology that overcomes architectural barriers, enabling experiences that would otherwise be inaccessible. The decision to offer this experience in virtual reality without manual controllers, using gaze-based interaction on points of interest, was made primarily to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities.
Download the Educational in San Giovanni brochure (flyer).
THE EDUCATIONAL OFFER
The 3D tour experience will be available for schools starting in spring 2025, with two possible packages:
SAN GIOVANNI – VISIONS OF ART
Discover the artworks of the Church of San Giovanni Battista in Alba with an immersive experience using 3D headsets. Art like you’ve never seen before!
The guided tour (church, cloister, Gallizio flowerbed, La storia a colori exhibition, and San Giovanni Space) with the 3D experience costs €2 per person for headset rental (free for children under 6, people with disabilities, guides, and teachers/accompanying staff) + €70 for the guide in Italian (1 guide per 25 people). Duration: approximately 60 minutes.
SAN GIOVANNI – DISCOVER ALBA
Combine the San Giovanni in 3D experience with a guided tour of the city of Alba.
Explore the MUDI Diocesan Archaeological Museum beneath the Cathedral of San Lorenzo and climb the bell tower, reaching a height of 45 meters!
The guided tour (church, cloister, Gallizio flowerbed, La storia a colori exhibition, San Giovanni Space + Alba’s historic center + MUDI + bell tower) with the 3D experience costs €7 per person for adult groups (including headset rental and MUDI admission); €4 per student for school groups. Free for children under 6, people with disabilities, guides, and teachers/accompanying staff + €160 for the guide (1 guide per 25 people/students).
EXPERIMENTAL BETA VERSION
Starting in January 2025, the experience will be available in its beta version free of charge for a limited number of classes. Requests can be sent to info@sangiovannialba.it (until the maximum number is reached).
From spring 2025, the experience will be fully available for school groups and other visitors at the San Giovanni Space.
Book an experience by clicking the orange button on the side.
For details, visit www.sangiovannialba.it
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