Digital Twin Implementation for St. Peter's Basilica

This article presents a case study on the creation of a digital twin for structural monitoring of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, developed by Italferr S.P.A. The project aimed to preserve an important architectural and religious icon through advanced technology. Italferr undertook an extensive survey campaign that generated a significant amount of data, which was processed into a reality mesh for effective management and monitoring. The digital twin was created using Bentley Systems ProjectWise, iTwin Capture, and MicroStation, allowing for the integration of three terabytes of multisourced data. The article outlines the collaborative efforts that resulted in a model delivered ahead of schedule and discusses the future implementation of a structural monitoring system connected to the digital twin. The involvement of various stakeholders, including a cardinal with a mechanical engineering background, highlights the project's significance and the accessibility of information for effective decision-making.