Saratov’s 'German Street' Opens for Virtual Walks
Preserving historical heritage has entered a new era. With digital technology, specialists are now able to reconstruct old buildings with remarkable precision. A regional team from Saratov recently received high recognition at the international competition REBUS: Innovations-2025.
Accuracy Down to the Smallest Detail
The Continuum computer graphics studio and the nonprofit 'Code of Culture' created a virtual model of Saratov’s old German Street—now Stolypin Avenue. The 3D reconstruction restored the street’s 1911 appearance, with 25 buildings and elements of the early 20th-century urban environment digitally recreated.
From June to July, over 7,000 people visited a multimedia space at Saratov’s Pioneer Cultural Center, taking a virtual walk down the historic avenue using VR headsets.
The project began in 2022 with support from the Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives. Developers used a 'matching' system to digitally recreate lost elements of the urban landscape from archival photographs. They also conducted laser scanning of surviving structures to capture their proportions and architectural details with precision.
Students, 3D modeling experts, and museum staff participated, gathering necessary materials from archives. Their joint work ensured the historical accuracy of the digital replica.
The project’s success is reflected not only in public interest but also in professional recognition. At the REBUS: Innovations-2025 competition in Kazan, the reconstruction project 'Living History of Saratov' won second place in the Heritage category.
Moscow, Novgorod, Bolgar, Saratov—Where to Next?
Virtual tours of historical sites using 3D models are no longer rare. Modern laser scanning and drone-based aerial photography allow for accurate digital copies of ancient cities. Today, users can virtually explore 12th-century Novgorod or the Golden Horde city of Bolgar from their homes.
This new type of tourism is becoming especially popular in cities with rich histories. For example, researchers at Moscow State University’s Department of Historical Informatics, together with the Department of Applied Mechanics and the MOIDS Laboratory, are creating a virtual reconstruction of Moscow’s historic White City. The project includes not only its urban structures but also natural topography. So far, eight landmark sites have been recreated, including the Ivanovsky Monastery, which has undergone major transformations over the centuries.
In the project’s VR app, users can walk through the White City and switch between two levels of detail. The app employs foveated rendering technology, which sharpens the image wherever the user’s gaze is focused.
For Residents and Visitors Alike
The 'Living History of Saratov' project is a successful fusion of technology and cultural identity. It raises interest in local history and can serve as a model for digital cultural heritage projects.
The German Street reconstruction demonstrates how digital tools can preserve regional heritage and the history of smaller cities. Such solutions are increasingly applied not only to major metropolitan landmarks but also to local monuments. Museums, municipalities, and schools in other regions and countries may adopt these methods to boost tourism and cultural education.
Already today, the Saratov virtual tour could become part of school curricula and a valuable addition to sightseeing programs for visitors. With continued support from the Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives and the Saratov Regional Duma, the project could expand within a few years to other parts of the city or to mobile apps for on-the-go tours.
