Can virtual reality help protect and champion a region’s cultural and historical heritage? Yes it can and a project linked to the “Strada Maestra” state road (SS80) in Abruzzo’s Gran Sasso region exemplifies how.

Urban.:FX created two VR films: a CG one recreating the Strada Maestra road in Roman times, and a 360-degree VR one showcasing the natural beauty of the Teramo region.

We are led deep within these worlds through a combination of VR visor and mountain bike. Interacting together, the visor reproduces the film and the speed of this varies in line with how fast the cyclist pedals.