AR Tours - Portyl
Experience ancient Rome and Herculaneum like never before with Portyl, the most innovative Augmented Reality application available.
Ever wondered how the iconic landmarks of Rome looked centuries or even millennia ago? Portyl is your time machine—an innovative Augmented Reality application that allows you to see historical sites as they appeared long before our existence. Witness the Colosseum in its full ancient glory, the Pantheon before modern restoration, or the Roman Forum as it stood during the height of the Empire.
With Portyl, you can explore historical sites from anywhere—at home on your couch, while visiting the actual locations, or during any tour you book through What About Tours. Simply point your smartphone at a landmark (or its location on a map), and watch as detailed 3D reconstructions overlay the real world or appear before you, bringing history to life with remarkable accuracy.
Portyl enhances any experience. Want to prepare for your Rome visit? Explore the Colosseum from home. Already in Rome? Use it at the actual site to see layers of history. On a guided tour with us? Use Portyl as the perfect companion to understand how these magnificent ruins once looked in their prime.
Smartphone AR
No VR headsets needed - just your phone
Family Friendly
Suitable for all ages and abilities
Private Tours
Customizable itineraries for your group
17 Languages
Full audio narration and text in 17 languages
Why Portyl AR Over VR?
Unlike Virtual Reality headsets, Portyl offers an unparalleled level of immersion, interactivity, and family-friendliness, making it suitable for all ages.
Real-World Integration
Experience AR overlays on actual Roman landmarks, not virtual environments. See the real Colosseum with ancient reconstructions superimposed.
Social Experience
Share the experience with family and friends. Everyone can see the same AR content while staying connected to the real world.
No Heavy Equipment
Just your smartphone - no bulky VR headsets or controllers. Lightweight, comfortable, and easy to use for hours.
GPS Navigation
Navigate real streets safely while experiencing AR. Perfect for outdoor exploration without losing your way.
A side-by-side look at AR over the present-day location
Enhance your experience at home, on-site, or on our tours
At Home
Explore Rome's landmarks before you arrive. Perfect for planning and building anticipation.
At the Site
See historical layers directly over real locations. Watch the Colosseum transform through time with just your phone.
On Our Tours
Enhance your tour experience. While our guides tell the stories, Portyl shows how these magnificent places once looked.
Rome At Home
Available AR locations in Rome
- Lango di Torre Argentina
- Temple of Hadrian
- Pantheon
- Piazza Navona
- Forum of Trajan
- Colosseum District
- Theater of Marcellus
- Circus Maximus
Herculaneum At Home
Available AR locations in Herculaneum
- Grand Tavern
- Pergola
- Shore View
- Entrance View
- Sacred Area
More AR experiences are coming soon from other countries: USA, Mexico, Germany, UK, Turkey, Peru, France, Romania, Greece, Czech Republic, Austria, Poland.
App Screenshots
A closer look at the Portyl interface
Ready to Experience History?
Download Portyl now and start exploring ancient Rome and Herculaneum through Augmented Reality
Scan to download
Available for iOS and Android • Free to download • In-app purchases available