Saint Mary’s Basilica with the Altarpiece of Veit Stoss in 3D

Digital transformation allows us to rediscover history! Thanks to the completed digitization project of Saint Mary’s Basilica in Krakow and its priceless Altarpiece of Veit Stoss, we can now travel back in time and explore this Gothic masterpiece in incredible detail. The results of the project are already available online, offering everyone the chance to experience this heritage in a whole new dimension. The project utilized advanced 3D scanning technologies, gigapixel photography, and aerial imaging with drones.

Using 3D laser scanners, we captured the architecture of the basilica, including its towers and timber framing, creating a precise point cloud – the digital DNA of the church. Over 50 3D models of panels and individual sculptures from the Altarpiece of Veit Stoss were generated using white and blue structured-light scanners for geometry (3D models) and medium-format cameras with 60–100 MP sensors for high-resolution HDR textures.

Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and scanners captured the external structures of the basilica, providing a comprehensive view of the church, both inside and out.

The project not only popularizes cultural heritage but also meets accessibility standards in line with WCAG 2.1 guidelines. The website hosting the project results was designed to ensure that everyone, regardless of their limitations, can fully enjoy the digital version of the Altarpiece and the Basilica. Features like alternative graphic descriptions, intuitive navigation, and adjustable contrast and text size make the site accessible to users with visual and motor impairments.

Thanks to this digitization, you can now:

• View the Altarpiece of Veit Stoss in gigapixel resolution, analyzing the finest details of its sculptures and ornaments.
• Explore 3D models of the basilica’s interior and exterior, navigating it virtually.
• Learn more about the unique history of this landmark through interactive guides and descriptions.

The innovative approach and use of advanced technologies ensure that the project not only documents heritage but also inspires modern methods of its preservation. The digital archive secures the basilica’s legacy for the future and serves as an invaluable resource for researchers, conservators, and art enthusiasts.

Discover St. Mary’s Basilica in a new dimension on the project’s website → Saint Mary’s Basilica and the Altarpiece of Veit Stoss in 3D.