The Italian capital is launching the first Virtual Reality Bus, which will provide an immersive 3D experience of ancient Rome at key hotspots around the city. From 23 June, it will be possible to travel through the ruins of ancient Rome and discover what they looked like 2,000 years ago on the Virtual Reality Bus, a 16-seat vehicle equipped with the latest technology.<\/p>\n
Passengers on the electric bus can view the Imperial Forums, the Colosseum, the Palatine Hill, the Circus Maximus and the Marcellus Theatre thanks to visor-free VR displays, with all images created by visual effects specialists under the guidance of archaeologists.<\/p>\n
All 3D displays can be seen directly on the OLED screens mounted on the windows of the bus. A system of motorised curtains allows passengers to compare the present with the past.<\/p>\n
\"The VR Bus project will allow visitors to literally immerse themselves in Rome's history,\" said the city's mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, who described the experience as a unique initiative that will take tourists and Rome residents on a journey into Rome's past.<\/p>\n
To make the experience even more multi-sensory, an on-board automated system releases specially designed, pleasant fragrances that evoke the character and beauty of specific historical sites along the route. For example, the ancient Romans burned essences as offerings to the gods to pray to them and make them merciful.<\/p>\n
The Imperial Rome - Virtual Reality Bus will depart daily from 4.20pm to 7.40pm (last tour) from Piazza della Madonna di Loreto at the end of Via dei Fori Imperiali at Trajan's Column.<\/p>\n
The tour lasts 30 minutes and is offered in Italian and English. Tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket office near Trajan's Column. Full details can be found on the website.<\/p>\n