On Wednesday, December 18, the “Veterea” project was presented to the city of Santa Maria Capua Vetere at the stunning Sala San Bonaventura of MUCIR (Civic Museum and Museum of the Risorgimento). This innovative initiative aspires to create a digital twin of the ancient city.

The project, funded through PNRR resources within the i-NEST ecosystem, is coordinated by Spici Srl – Società per l’Innovazione, la Cooperazione e l’Internazionalizzazione, in partnership with the Alberto Calza Bini Interdepartmental Research Center of the University of Naples Federico II, and in collaboration with the Municipality of Santa Maria Capua Vetere.

Veterea: Enhancing and Experiencing the Archaeological Heritage

The primary goal of Veterea is to enhance and promote access to the city’s vast archaeological heritage, both visible and hidden. Through innovative digital solutions, “Veterea – a digital twin for Altera Capua” aims to unveil the fascinating underground world of the city, which boasts over 400 archaeological sites, making it accessible to both residents and visitors.

Technology and Inclusivity: The Pillars of Veterea

The project envisions Santa Maria Capua Vetere as a model for cultural accessibility through digital technologies. Veterea stands out for:

  • Inclusive access solutions and a design-for-all approach;
  • The use of cutting-edge technologies such as interactive maps, visitor geolocation apps, digital twins, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence, enabling the creation of an interactive digital model of the ancient city;
  • The possibility of virtually exploring currently inaccessible archaeological sites, offering an immersive and interactive experience that bridges the past and the present.

The event welcomed the local community, who had the chance to preview aspects of the project and immerse themselves in its extraordinary potential. The public will also be actively involved in the design phase.

Thanks to the collaboration between Spici, the University of Naples Federico II, and the municipal administration, Veterea represents an extraordinary opportunity to position Santa Maria Capua Vetere, a candidate for the title of Italian Capital of Culture 2027, as a reference point for technology-driven cultural heritage management. This initiative modernizes the preservation of archaeological heritage and fosters widespread and inclusive knowledge of the past.

📸 Photo copyright: gvastano