DIGITAL SURVEY AND RECEPTION STRUCTURES FOR A VIRTUAL FRUITION: THE CASE STUDY OF THE HYPOGEUM OF CALAFORNO (RAGUSA)

This contribution offers the initial results of an ongoing multidisciplinary project aimed at exploring digital approaches to overcoming the complexities associated with certain archaeological monuments, such as the Hypogeum of Calaforno, one of the most interesting prehistoric monuments in Sicily. It is a unique sample of rock-cut architecture in terms of size and architectural features, in comparison with the Sicilian territory and the entire Mediterranean context. In addition to the usually rock-cut architecture characteristics, as the narrow spaces and the lack of light, the hypogeum also presents some practical problems due to the serpentine route of the rooms and the presence of water in some spaces. This case study highlights the need to pursue the development of digital products which have a clearly scientific value and can also improve the dissemination aspects. The paper also shows the development and experimentation of workflows to obtain viable 3D digital twin models through the use of low-cost techniques for the photogrammetric surveying of archaeological sites characterized by the presence of narrow and complex spaces. Thanks to the comparison with the laser scanner point cloud of a previous survey, it was possible to verify the accuracy of the photogrammetric model. This has been obtained through the use of the action cam GoPro Black Hero 6. This cam proved to be a highly useful instrument, with lenses offering fields of view somewhere between those of fisheye lenses and of traditional lenses. The aim of this work is the communication of cultural content to the public through immersive virtual experiences that can enhance real visits to stimulate public interest and improve understanding of the monument with the help of unique reception and observation structures based on innovative enabling technologies. The construction system is designed to integrate analogue and digital apparatus and allow the creation of privileged observation points to experience 3D reconstructions of the site.