Eni has launched a significant structural monitoring initiative at St. Peter’s Basilica, coinciding with the Fourth Centenary of the Basilica’s dedication, which will be celebrated in 2026. This project, titled “Beyond the Visible,” represents a collaboration between Eni and the Fabbrica di San Pietro, aimed at safeguarding one of the world’s most iconic religious and cultural sites.

The initiative builds on a longstanding partnership that began during the Great Jubilee of 2000. Eni has utilized its engineering expertise to develop an integrated and permanent structural monitoring system. This system employs a combination of geophysical investigations, geological and hydrogeological analyses, and high-precision sensors. A notable feature of the project is the creation of a fully interactive 3D digital twin of the entire Basilica complex, which allows for detailed monitoring and analysis.

The project involved extensive fieldwork, with over 4,500 hours dedicated to surveying approximately 80,000 square meters of the site, both above and below ground. The team, which included geophysicists, geologists, engineers, and technical specialists from EniProgetti, has successfully established a system that operates continuously, providing real-time data to aid in the long-term conservation and preventive safeguarding of the Basilica.

The project’s significance was highlighted during its presentation by H.E. Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, the Archpriest of the Papal Basilica, alongside Claudio Granata, Eni’s Director of Stakeholder Relations & Services. Their remarks underscored the importance of this technological advancement in preserving the historical integrity of the Basilica for future generations.

As the Basilica approaches its 400th anniversary, this initiative not only reinforces Eni’s commitment to cultural heritage but also sets a precedent for the integration of modern technology in the preservation of historical landmarks.