Minecraft

Peter is Here

Play at St. Peter’s, learn at St. Peter’s, transform St. Peter’s

Fabbrica di San Pietro / Minecraft Education

With “Peter is Here”, a video game designed for schools, you can explore the world’s largest basilica like never before, up close and in detail. Experience its history, culture, and spirituality in a whole new way. "Peter is Here" is an innovative project that brings the heritage of St. Peter’s Basilica to life, making it more accessible to today’s young people by immersing them in the interactive virtual world of Minecraft, the hugely popular block-based game.

Created in collaboration between Fabbrica di San Pietro and Minecraft Education, the game offers a unique and educational experience. Students can explore the Basilica, delve into its history and community, taking on practical challenges as artisans and restorers. The adventure begins with the discovery of St. Peter’s Tomb and the archaeological investigations conducted in the 20th century. With the support of virtual reality and generative AI, participants can relive key moments of historical research and take part in the virtual restoration of artworks.

Beyond providing an educational experience that deepens engagement into STEM subjects, "Peter is Here" promotes a sense of community and collaboration rather than virtual isolation, emphasizing the importance of heritage preservation. The Basilica becomes a bridge between tradition and technology, immersing young people in an engaging and interactive educational experience. One that also offers adults valuable opportunities for reflection and learning.

The game provides resources for teachers, students and parents, encouraging collaboration, teamwork and discussion. It includes group tasks inspired by real restoration work, guided discussions on the significance of activities, and documentation tools such as the Portfolio, which allows students to record and share reflections. In this way, learning becomes a shared experience. This project not only enriches historical and spiritual knowledge but also promotes a sense of reflection on the importance of preserving shared heritage, making the beauty and significance of one of the world’s most iconic places accessible to all.