The Church of Sant Jaume i Santa Anna joins the 'Virtual Benidorm'

Starting today, the Church of Sant Jaume i Santa Anna is accessible virtually from anywhere in the world, following its inclusion in the Benidorm Virtual program of the Department of Historical and Cultural Heritage. This was announced by the Councillor for the department, Ana Pellicer, who highlighted "the importance of a unique building" due to its "architectural value and its historical and religious significance."

Ana Pellicer emphasised that a 360-degree tour (or 360-degree virtual visit) is an interactive and immersive representation of a physical space. To achieve this, 25 high-resolution panoramic photographs have been displayed "connected, allowing the user to virtually move through the space as if they were present."

"The tour," Pellicer emphasised, "also includes 74 interactive images, information windows in Spanish and Valencian, and promotional videos of emblematic spaces such as El Castell, or Benidorm, the place of happiness; or the welcoming remarks to residents and visitors from the parish priest, Juan Antonio González.”

Access is very simple. From a web browser, a mobile phone, tablet, computer, or virtual reality headset, the user accesses the tour and uses their device's gyroscope (if available) or the standard menus. The itinerary has been divided into two parts: the exterior of the church with Sant Jaume Square, Castelar, and even the Castell. “Here,” Pellicer explains, “we can enjoy some of the most emblematic spots in Benidorm, visited daily by residents and tourists.”

The second part is the visit to the church itself, “where we can learn details about the works of art and religious imagery housed there,” as well as information about the altars and their creators. Also worth highlighting is the access “via narrow stairs” to the Sant Jaume organ, “a unique instrument in the Valencian Community that stands out for its sound characteristics and performance possibilities.” Pellicer emphasised that this melodic element is the centrepiece of the Festival. The Benidorm International Organ Competition is held here every year.

Sant Jaume i Santa Anna, more accessible

Ana Pellicer wanted to highlight Virtual Benidorm, an initiative that "extends our historical and cultural heritage in cyberspace."

Virtual Benidorm is a section that can be accessed from the municipal website or directly at benidormvirtual.com.

Here, you can revisit and revisit the exhibitions that the Boca del Calvari Museum has hosted, and now also iconic Benidorm locations such as Sant Jaume and Santa Anna.

Finally, Pellicer highlighted the "other facet" of this initiative because it especially benefits "people with reduced mobility who face barriers to access in the real world," which reaffirms "Benidorm's commitment to accessibility and inclusion."