The Vatican as you’ve never seen it before thanks to Minecraft: This is how you can virtually explore St. Peter’s Basilica

For more than 15 years, creativity has allowed Minecraft to be not only a game of exploration, but also a game of creativity. It has allowed players to create places that only exist in fantasy, books or movies, but there are also those who have used it to take us to other places in the same world. Now, Minecraft Education, in partnership with Microsoft and the Vatican, has launched “Peter Is Here: AI for Cultural Heritage,” an educational experience that allows students to explore and restore the iconic St. Peter’s Basilica. This innovative initiative combines history, artificial intelligence, and creative problem solving in an interactive and accessible environment.

“Essentially within the video game, it is a 3D representation, or 3D re-building of St. Peter’s Basilica, so you have a character in the game and you can walk through the hallways and explore the entire building. You can interact with the art pieces, the statues and the mosaics, and you can learn the history of each of those” explained Allison Matthews, the head of Minecraft Education at a press conference on Tuesday March 18.

Recovering centuries of history, block by block

Students can immerse themselves in this monument and assume the role of “Sanpietrini”, the team dedicated to its maintenance. Through two game modes, “Restoration” and “Exploration”, participants travel through time, interacting with historical figures and using simulated AI tools to preserve this cultural heritage.

In “Restoration” mode, players use scanners and tools to assess damage and repair key sections of the Basilica, traversing four different historical eras in key areas of the complex: the Vatican Obelisk (75 AD), St. Peter’s Tomb (400 AD), the Rotunda Column (1546 AD), and Bernini’s Baldachin (1626 AD). Each choice allows us to understand how architecture and construction methods have evolved over the centuries.

An interactive exploration with AI and historical figures

Once the Basilica is restored, students can walk through it in “Exploration” mode. Using a smart compass, they will discover hidden areas, interact with characters such as Michelangelo and Bernini, and collect artifacts that reveal detailed historical narratives. This experience not only stimulates curiosity, but also integrates restoration with contextual learning.

Upon completion of the experience, students will receive an official certificate recognizing their role as volunteer cultural heritage guardians. “Peter Is Here” not only educates, but also inspires new generations to appreciate and protect our historical heritage using the most advanced technological tools.

Follow MeriStation USA on X (formerly known as Twitter). Your video game and entertainment website for all the news, updates, and breaking news from the world of video games, movies, series, manga, and anime. Previews, reviews, interviews, trailers, gameplay, podcasts and more! Follow us now!