Embark on an immersive experience that combines
History, Art, and Technology.
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Our VR journey allows you to step into the heart of Buccino’s Church, unveiling the forgotten statues of Giovanni da Nola.
With a seamless AI interaction available throughout, your exploration is effortless and engaging.
Transition from the church’s final view of the pre-restored statues to a sleek, modern gallery that showcases the fully restored masterpieces in a fresh, contemporary setting, delivering an elevated user experience.
This journey brings the past to life, offering a captivating exploration of history and restoration. Experience the transformation and navigate through time with an interactive switch that deepens the learning process.
Unveiling the Lost Treasures of Giovanni da Nola
History & Context
Built in the mid-14th century in "Piscara seu Fabrica," the church was established as a confraternity headquarters by Pope Pius V in 1531, and also served as a hospital for pilgrims.
Its key architectural elements include a portal with a faded Annunciation fresco, single apse windows, and a magnificent wooden ciborium attributed to a student of Giovanni da Nola.
The ciborium features the Annunciation, statues of Saint Zacharias, Saint Elizabeth, two angels, and a blessing image of God. Repainted in 1937,
this proto-Renaissance masterpiece is complemented by a neoclassical choir, created by Vincenzo Magaldi in 1846.
The ceiling, painted in tempera in 1849, depicts the Annunciation and musical angels, though it is now worn.
A painting of Saint Rocco by Francesco Patema adorns the chapel, while the polychrome stone inlay altars were rebuilt in the late 18th century. A reliquary monument, commissioned in 1549, is embedded in the apse wall
Church of the Annunciation
in Buccino
Statues & Sculptor
Giovanni Da Nola's Madonna and Announcing Angel
Two wooden altar pieces, representing the Madonna and the Announcing Angel, were originally placed in a gilded wooden “cona” above the main altar of the church. Thanks to the meticulous research of Peppino Arduino, these pieces are definitively attributed to Giovanni da Nola and his workshop, dating to 1536.
Currently, these altar pieces are in a critical state of conservation due to centuries of neglect, vandalism, and poor restoration attempts. Layers of paint have been applied over the years, damaging the original artwork, while moisture and insect infestations have further deteriorated the wood. The angel's hand and part of the arm are missing but were fortunately recovered from church debris.
Giovanni da Nola, born Giovanni Merliano, was a prominent 16th-century Italian sculptor and architect from Naples. He is renowned for his works in the Chiesa di Sant’Anna dei Lombardi and is praised by Vasari as the finest sculptor in Naples at the time.​
The Experience
Learning.
With the help of AI, visitors can closely examine every intricate detail of Giovanni da Nola’s statues and the Church of Buccino.
AI enhances storytelling, weaving together the rich history of the Renaissance, the forgotten stories of the church, and the restoration process that brought these masterpieces back to life.
The VR experience offers a final glimpse of the statues in their pre-restored state, accompanied by a photographic collection and compelling verbal narratives.
Exploring.
This VR journey opens up breathtaking perspectives that are typically inaccessible in the original church
Explore intricate details of the frescoes, and enjoy full accessibility to the church, which is often difficult to reach in real life.
Through a play of light and shadow, users can create a visually striking and evocative atmosphere.
Get closer to the statues than ever before, viewing them from angles and perspectives previously unavailable to visitors.
Transition.
With a simple command, visitors can trigger the transition from the historic church to a newly designed space, merging heritage with a contemporary future.
This space not only allows for the observation of the restored statues but also transforms into a usable venue for virtual exhibitions and other experiences.
Witness the statues as they emerge from the restoration lab, and explore how the past is reimagined in a modern context for future generations.
