# Virtual Reality in Cultural Heritage: A Setup for Balzi
## 2 Related Works  
The advancement of VR and augmented reality (AR) technologies has been a cornerstone in the preservation of cultural heritage, as evidenced by a diverse array of scholarly contributions. [PERSON], [PERSON], and [PERSON]'s early research [6] was instrumental in illustrating the initial applications of AR in the digital reconstruction of historical sites, setting a precedent for subsequent studies in digital cultural heritage preservation. Building upon these foundations, [PERSON] et al. [7] undertook a comprehensive evaluation of augmented, virtual, and mixed-reality systems, primarily focusing on their educational utility and their transformative impact on museum exhibitions and the creation of virtual museums. Specialized research in the domain further expanded with [PERSON] et al. 's exploration of the use of VR and AR for the preservation of underwater archaeological sites, marking a significant shift towards 3D visualization and interactive techniques in studying submerged cultural heritage [8]. Concurrently, [PERSON] et al. [9] demonstrated the efficacy of photogrammetry in VR through the detailed reconstruction of cultural heritage objects exemplifying the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral Church's iconostasis, thus underscoring the potential of virtual heritage reconstructions in achieving high levels of precision and interactivity. In a related context, [PERSON] et al. [10] outlined a comprehensive methodology for digital archaeological exhibitions, blending 3D reconstruction with VR to enhance the presentation of archaeological objects from Calabria (Italy) dating back to a period between the 17 th and 8 th centuries BC. The evolution of AR applications in cultural heritage, particularly over the last decade, was thoroughly reviewed by [PERSON] et al. [11], highlighting significant advancements in fields such as 3D artifact reconstruction and the development of virtual museums. Complementing these technological perspectives, [PERSON] and [PERSON] [12] engaged in a comparative study of immersive reality technologies, assessing their effectiveness in promoting cultural learning within virtual heritage applications. Their analysis delved into various interaction methods, offering insights into the educational implications of these technologies. Collectively, these scholarly endeavors narrate the continuous evolution and diversification of VR and AR technologies in cultural heritage. This narrative is not just a reflection of technological progress but also an expansion in application scopes, encompassing preservation techniques, educational platforms, and interactive experiences. This collection of previous research serves both as a foundational reference and a contextual framework for ongoing inquiries into the emerging frontiers of virtual heritage. The Balzi Rossi Museum project represents a significant innovation in the field of virtual heritage, leveraging advanced VR technology to transform the understanding and experience of cultural heritage. Utilizing Unreal Engine 5 and its Nanite technology, this initiative transcends traditional approaches to digital reconstruction and offers an immersive and interactive exploration of archaeological heritage. In particular, the application of Nanite represents a paradigm shift in 3D modeling for VR: owing to its ability to handle complex geometries effortlessly, Nanite remarkably obviates the need for traditional model optimization techniques such as retopology. This allows for a more streamlined and efficient workflow, further enhancing the visual fidelity and performance of the VR experience without the intensive labor typically associated with model optimization. This innovative approach stands in stark contrast to the methodologies employed in prior related works, which predominantly relied on standard model optimization techniques, underscoring the significant advancements brought by Nanite in VR development. The project not only enhances visual fidelity but also emphasizes educational and interactive experiences.