Students around the world now have a chance to be an explorer-restorer of the 519-year-old St Peter’s Basilica thanks to a new online educational opportunity created by Minecraft Education, Microsoft’s game-based learning platform, and with the help of St Peter’s Basilica and Vatican City State.
“Peter is Here: AI for Cultural Heritage” is a new interactive game released worldwide 18 March. Players use simulated AI-enabled “scanners”—like real preservationists use—to inspect key elements of the basilica and square outside to discover what needs repair and problem-solve with others to decide the best approach to take.
Designed for students aged 8-18, the platform includes workbooks and resources for students and teachers in both public and Catholic schools or communities and for parents who homeschool.
Every student also receives a certificate in Latin after completing the 45-60-minute game, recognising them as honorary preservers of this cultural heritage site.
“Peter is Here” is available for all licensed users in the Minecraft Education lesson library and trial versions are free to download by logging in with Office 365 or Microsoft 365 Education accounts.
