Announced in March 2019, Cultural Heritage Online and its Italian platform beniculturalionline.it introduced virtual reality access to selected Italian cultural landmarks, allowing users to explore them from home through 360-degree imagery and VR headsets.
How the virtual tours work
Each location entry on the platform includes Google Street View imagery, which displays immersive 360-degree images accessible via computer, mobile device, or VR headset. Users can navigate independently through these panoramic views of art, history, culture, and natural landscapes. The experience encompasses Italian wine regions, UNESCO World Heritage sites, Made in Italy excellence, and natural scenery. Italy holds the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage sites globally, serving as the thematic thread connecting the virtual experiences.
Available applications and features
Two applications enable the virtual tours. Google Street View, available on iOS and Android through Google Play or Apple Store, supports both 360-degree and VR viewing modes. A second application, Italia VR developed by ENIT, the National Tourism Agency, operates continuously and sends notifications when new content is added, keeping users informed of upcoming experiences. Both apps require users to download, follow initial setup instructions, and select their preferred viewing mode.
Future expansion
The platform plans to introduce thematic tours that connect multiple locations, allowing users to journey between sites while discovering Italy’s cultural attractions. This expansion aims to provide guided experiences linking related heritage sites across regions.
Frequently asked questions
What equipment is needed to view the virtual tours?
Users can access the 360-degree imagery on a computer, mobile phone, or tablet. For full virtual reality immersion, a VR headset is required, though the platform operates without one as well.
Which app should I download to access the tours?
Google Street View, available on iOS and Android, is the primary application; alternatively, Italia VR by ENIT offers the same experiences with notifications for new content.
What types of sites are included in the virtual tours?
The tours cover UNESCO World Heritage sites, art and history locations, wine-producing regions, natural landscapes, and Made in Italy cultural attractions across Italy.