El Galiverso empieza aquí [Galiverso starts here] is an initiative by the Xunta de Galicia that uses immersive technologies and virtual reality with the aim of giving a new twist to how we showcase our tangible and intangible heritage (artistic, industrial, architectural, natural, etc.). Without having to leave the City of Culture, you can travel by hot air balloon along the rugged Sil Canyon, contemplate the city of A Coruña from the top of the beacon of the Tower of Hércules or discover the Roman Santalla de Bóveda temple, among other experiences.
Some places can only be visited through the Galiverso, like the Crypt of the St. James Apostle (closed to the general public in the Cathedral of Santiago), and others that are not easy for people with mobility difficulties due to their characteristics or location – such as the roofs of the Cathedral of Tui. The use of virtual reality makes it possible for users to enjoy them in a unique and accessible and way, respectful of heritage conservation.
El Galiverso empieza aquí is a window to the future Centro de Artes Dixitais de Galicia [Galician Digital Arts Centre] that enables the people of Galicia and visitors to participate in the journey of creation of this trailblazing centre in Spain, while highlighting the potential of our cultural and creative industry in virtual spheres.
12 experiences
In the City of Culture you’ll be able to enjoy 12 different virtual reality experiences while embarking on a journey through the four Galician provinces:
- Sunset at the Fisterra Lighthouse
- The interior of the Tower of Hércules (A Coruña)
- The crypt of St James the Apostle in Santiago de Compostela
- The Roman city walls of Lugo
- The Xiá Tower in San Paio de Narla (Lugo)
- The Roman temple of Santalla de Bóveda (Mera, Lugo)
- The interior of a palloza (traditional rural dwelling) in O Cebreiro (Lugo)
- The Monastery of Santa María a Real de Oseira (San Cristovo de Cea, Ourense)
- The Sil Canyon between the provinces of Ourense and Lugo
- The Monastery of Santo Estevo de Ribas de Sil (Ourense)
- The roofs of the Cathedral of Tui (Pontevedra)
The Galiverso will continue growing in the future, incorporating new experiences linked not only to heritage and tourism, but also science and experimentation. It’s also scheduled to tour other museums and libraries in Galicia, in addition to the creative hubs of Galician schools.
Free and open to the public
The Galiverso is open on Floor 0 of the Museo Centro Gaiás from Tuesday to Friday, from 4 pm to 8 pm, as well as Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays (except Mondays), from 11 am to 2.30 pm and from 4 pm to 8 pm. Access closes at 2.00 p.m. in the afternoon and 7.30 p.m. in the evening. The visit is free and no prior booking is needed.
The room has 3 individual stands, with their respective VR equipment, which can operate simultaneously. A virtual map of Galicia enables you to select the experiences, which are accompanied by explanatory texts and audios in Galician, Spanish and English.
The duration of each individual session is about 20 minutes maximum, and during the session you can live one or more of the virtual reality experiences offered. The time limit is intended both to avoid the fatigue associated with longer use of VR goggles and to make it easier for the greatest number of people to access the Galiverso.
