A Gnomonic Hole Sundial Between Reality and Simulation

Abstract

This paper proposes integrating a visit to the University Palace of Genoa with the applications of digital panoramic photography and augmented reality, to show how it is possible to reconcile a real visit with a virtual one, without sacrificing, at least in part, contact with the cultural object. In particular, the aim is to illustrate the functioning of a scientific instrument found inside the Palace: the sundial with a gnomonic hole created in 1771 by François Rodolphe Corréard, Jesuit astronomer and mathematician. The University Palace of Genoa was born as the headquarters of the Jesuit College with an agreement between the Order and the important Balbi family of Genoa. From the entrance hall, the monumental staircase leads to the single courtyard overlooked by the classrooms arranged along the sides on two levels. The residences of the fathers overlook it from the top floor, set back for reasons of privacy, and are distributed along the corridor of Saint Ignace, at the end of which was the domestic library. It is this last room, now used as a university classroom and conference room, which hosts the gnomonic hole sundial.