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Mixed Reality in Pompeii: how Mixed Reality is revolutionizing the cultural experience

March 18 - 2025

In recent years, technology has transformed the way we interact with cultural heritage. Among the most revolutionary innovations is Mixed Reality at Pompeii, an application of Mixed Reality (MR) that allows visitors to explore the past with a level of immersion never seen before. Thanks to this technology, it is now possible to walk through the ruins of the city buried by Vesuvius in 79 AD and see the Roman Domus come back to life before one’s eyes.

But what is Mixed Reality and how is it applied to cultural heritage? What are the benefits for tourists, archaeologists and researchers? In this article we will explore the potential of MR, focusing on the case of the Roman Domus in Pompeii, an extraordinary example of how technology can enhance our historical heritage.

*Mixed Reality (MR)

What is Mixed Reality and how does it work?

  • is a combination of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR). Unlike AR, which superimposes digital elements onto the real world via a screen or visor, and VR, which fully immerses the user in a digital environment, MR creates a fluid interaction between the physical world and virtual objects.

Using advanced devices, users can see and interact with digital reconstructions within real spaces. This means that as they walk through the ruins of Pompeii, they can see the original digitally reconstructed structures, view frescoes and mosaics recreated with realistic detail, and even interact with virtual historical figures.

The application of Mixed Reality in Pompeii

The reconstruction of the Domus Romana

One of the most fascinating projects related to Mixed Reality in Pompeii concerns the virtual reconstruction of a Roman Domus, an ancient noble dwelling. This project was developed by a team of digital archaeology experts in collaboration with software engineers and companies specializing in MR.

Through detailed 3D scans and archaeological analysis, experts have virtually recreated the interior of the Domus, allowing visitors to see the house as it was two thousand years ago. By wearing an MR viewer, it is possible:

*View the rooms of the Domus reconstructed in 3D**, complete with frescoes, decorations, and furniture.

  • Interact with digital objects, such as kitchen utensils, oil lamps and Roman coins.
  • Witness scenes of daily life at the time, thanks to animated virtual figures showing what life was like in a Roman Domus.

An unprecedented educational experience

The use of Mixed Reality in Pompeii has also revolutionized the education sector. Visitors are no longer limited to reading information panels or listening to audio guides, but can enjoy an immersive experience in which the past comes alive around them.

Thanks to MR, students can explore Pompeii as if they had gone back in time, looking closely at architectural and cultural details that would otherwise have been lost. This interactive approach makes learning more engaging and stimulating, increasing interest in history and archaeology.

The benefits of Mixed Reality in tourism and research

1. Enhancement of cultural tourism

Pompeii is one of the most visited archaeological sites in the world, with millions of tourists each year. The introduction of MR:

*It increases the attractiveness of the site**, providing a more dynamic and engaging experience.

  • It improves accessibility, allowing even those who cannot physically travel to Pompeii to experience an interactive virtual tour.
  • Stimulates sustainable tourism by reducing the impact of tourist flow on original archaeological structures.

2. Supporting research and conservation

Mixed Reality is also a valuable tool for archaeologists. Thanks to this technology, it is possible:

  • Digitally reconstruct structures and artifacts, analyzing them in detail without the risk of damaging them.
  • Test restoration hypotheses, evaluating different solutions before proceeding with physical interventions.
  • Create interactive digital archives that store data and 3D models for future research.

*Mixed Reality in Pompeii

Mixed Reality and the future of cultural heritage

The use of Mixed Reality in Pompeii represents only the beginning of a technological revolution in the cultural sector. In the future, we expect to see more and more applications of MR in museums, archaeological sites, and educational projects.

“Imagine a world in which any visitor, simply by wearing an MR visor, can explore ancient Rome, walk through the temples of Athens, or witness a medieval battle in real time. The possibilities are endless, and RAIT88 is among the companies engaged in the development of these immersive technologies “; this is the vision of Alessio Calabrò, CEO of RAIT88.

  • demonstrates how technology can enrich our understanding of the past, making the cultural experience more accessible, engaging and interactive. Thanks to the reconstruction of the Roman Domus, we can now not only see Pompeii as it was, but also experience it firsthand.

As immersive technologies continue to advance, the line between past and present is becoming increasingly blurred, allowing us to preserve and enhance our cultural heritage in ways that seemed impossible just a few years ago.

If you are interested in finding out more about how Mixed Reality is changing the world of culture and education, keep following us for more insights on immersive technologies in the heritage sector!