Terme di Caracalla becomes first Italian archaeological site fully explorable in 3D

Starting December 20, 2017, the Baths of Caracalla in Rome became the first Italian archaeological site entirely visitable in 3D through a virtual reality project called "Caracalla IV Dimensione." The project, promoted by the Soprintendenza Speciale di Roma and CoopCulture with technological input from Francesco Antinucci of the National Research Council, allows visitors to use a headset to see the ancient spaces as they were, including sculptural groups and architectural details no longer in situ. The visit comprises ten stages, six with VR, based on philological reconstructions from the last thirty years of research, curated by monument director Marina Piranomonte. Soprintendente Francesco Prosperetti stated that the technology provides an indispensable tool for visitors to see not only the spaces but also the stunning decorations. The Baths of Caracalla, inaugurated by Emperor Caracalla in 216 AD, are unique among ancient Roman monuments for having preserved their architectural structure completely.