Augmented reality technology recognizes what is being viewed through one’s smartphone camera and overlays it with corresponding virtual information to provide an experience of the Western Wall site as it was during ancient times.
By United with Israel Staff
In anticipation of the arrival of millions of visitors who will visit the Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem this summer, an augmented reality application that aims to provide visitors with an immersive glimpse into the ancient history at the site has been launched.
The application, known as “Kotel AR,” has been launched by the Western Wall Heritage Foundation in collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Office, according to Ynet. It uses augmented reality technology which recognizes what is being viewed through one’s smartphone camera and overlays it with corresponding virtual information, providing a sense of what one could have experienced while standing at the same location 2,000 years ago.
In this way, for example, one can gain an understanding of the dimensions and sections of the Western Wall, observe the royal portico columns that adorned the Holy Temple, experience the Levites’ singing in the Temple, sense the ambience of the pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem, witness the priestly blessing from a bird’s-eye view, or navigate through significant periods and landmarks in the history of the site from the Second Temple period.
The app is available to the general public for free download on Android and Apple devices, according to Ynet.
“The more than 12 million people from throughout the country and the world who each year visit the Western Wall plaza, will now be able to connect even further to the heritage and glorious past of the Temple,” the Western Wall Heritage Foundation said, according to Ynet.
The foundation added that the app will “provide visitors with a historical, fascinating and enriching experience during their visit, sometimes for the first and only time, at the Western Wall, alongside a variety of tours and educational programs for the whole family.”