Ancient Wonders Reimagined: Acropolis Chronicles with Chronos

In Athens, tourists visiting the Acropolis have the unique opportunity to witness the resolution of a long-standing debate regarding cultural heritage, and all they require is a smartphone. In the realm of augmented reality (AR), the Chronos app’s integration with the historic Acropolis in Athens represents a pioneering leap forward in the fusion of technology and cultural heritage. By seamlessly superimposing digital reconstructions onto the physical site, visitors can now step back in time and witness the Acropolis in its ancient splendor. This not only enhances the educational value of the experience but also opens up new avenues for engaging with our cultural past. As AR technology continues to advance and become more accessible, the Chronos app serves as a compelling example of how it can transform the way we perceive and interact with historical landmarks, offering a potent tool for preserving and sharing our shared heritage.

With the assistance of a newly developed app supported by Greece’s Culture Ministry, visitors can now explore the ancient Greek site by simply pinching and zooming on their smartphones. This digital overlay provides a glimpse into how the Acropolis appeared in antiquity, including the marble sculptures that were removed from the Parthenon over two centuries ago and are presently exhibited at the British Museum in London. Greece has persistently called for the return of these sculptures.

The innovative app enables tourists to point their phones at the Parthenon temple, causing the sculptures currently housed in London to reappear on the monument, as archaeologists believe they appeared 2,500 years ago. Additionally, lesser-known features come to life through the app; many of the Acropolis sculptures were originally painted in vibrant colors, and the app even reveals that a statue of the goddess Athena in the Parthenon’s main chamber once stood above a shallow pool of water.

Shriya Parsotam Chitnavis, a tourist from London, marveled at the technology, saying, “That’s really impressive… the only time I’ve seen that kind of technology before is at the dentist.” She further explained how this interactive experience enriched her visit, stating, “I didn’t know much about the (Acropolis), and I had to be convinced to come up here. Seeing this has made it more interesting — seeing it in color. I’m more of a visual person, so this being interactive really helped me appreciate it.”

This virtual restoration can be experienced from anywhere, potentially sparing visitors the crowded uphill walk and lengthy waits to see the iconic monuments up close. It may also contribute to Greece’s efforts to promote its cities as year-round tourist destinations.

Tourism is crucial to the Greek economy, and it has rebounded strongly since the COVID-19 pandemic, despite challenges such as wildfires affecting certain regions. The app, known as “Chronos,” leverages augmented reality to superimpose the ancient appearance of the site onto the screen, aligning with the real-world view as visitors explore.

Augmented reality is finally making its way into consumers’ hands, promising to impact a wide range of professional and leisure activities. While tech giants like Meta and Apple are investing in high-cost VR headsets, augmented reality’s accessibility through smartphones is expected to remain the primary platform for consumers for some time.

Maria Engberg, co-author of the book “Reality Media” on augmented and virtual reality, anticipates more integrated experiences for travelers in the near future, with improved sharing options during tours and the incorporation of archival photos and videos.

Greece’s Culture Ministry and national tourism authority are embracing technology, albeit later than some, to enhance accessibility to the country’s ancient monuments. This digital transformation complements physical enhancements, such as ramps and anti-slip pathways, making the cultural treasures of Greece more accessible to a global audience, both in the physical and digital realms.