In the heart of Oltrepò Pavese, the Castello dal Verme of Zavattarello hosted an innovative experiment that brings together history, technology, and a European vision. Thanks to the initiative of Filippo Napolitano and the support of the Erasmus+ program, a pioneering project was created: the demonstration of the non-invasive virtual reconstruction of a lost fresco, using OpenGate, the no-code platform by Metagate for Mixed Reality experiences on Meta Quest 3.

A fresco returned to history, without touching the stone

The goal was as ambitious as it was delicate: to bring back to life a fresco that had long since disappeared, while leaving the castle’s structure intact. Through OpenGate, an immersive digital scene was created, overlaid on the original wall thanks to the Spatial Persistence integrated in the app, visible only through a Mixed Reality headset. A perfect example of non-invasive virtual restoration, which preserves the material but restores the memory.

AI reconstruction from a forgotten photograph

The content of the fresco, erased by time, was reconstructed with the help of artificial intelligence, starting from a very old black-and-white photograph. Thanks to generative AI models and automatic colorization techniques, it was possible to digitally reinterpret and recreate the artwork, preserving its original style and proportions. An example of how new technologies can rekindle the visual memory of our cultural heritage.

The key role of Filippo Napolitano

The entire project was born from the vision of Filippo Napolitano, who combined entrepreneurial spirit and digital culture with the opportunities offered by Erasmus+. Without external funding or structured teams, Filippo used OpenGate to demonstrate how Mixed Reality can become a tool accessible to individual innovators, even in the historical-artistic field. (Presentation)

OpenGate and Metagate: Italian tourism looks to the future

The experiment at the Castello di Zavattarello is not just a case study: it is a clear sign of the enormous potential of Mixed Reality for Italian cultural tourism. OpenGate allows museums, local authorities, and historical sites to offer engaging, personalized, and sustainable experiences, without altering physical places.

Thanks to headsets like Meta Quest 3, every tourist can become an active spectator, walking among ancient walls while witnessing historical reconstructions, virtual guides, or period storytelling. A way to enhance heritage without transforming it, but making it alive, accessible, and shareable.

And the best is yet to come: XR headsets are set to evolve rapidly, with the arrival by 2026 of even lighter, more powerful smartglasses integrated with AI, capable of bringing these experiences into everyday life.