Roman basilica uses quiet iPods to replace noisy tour guides

(June 22, 2011) Officials of St. John Lateran Basilica are loaning iPods to pilgrims, in an effort to cut down on the noise in the Roman basilica. The iPods, which are loaded with information about the history and artistic treasures of the basilica, are supplied free to visitors. The hope is that tourists using these iPods will not feel the need for tour guides, whose steady stream of talk has raised the ambient noise level.
Maria Mancini, a spokeswoman for the Vatican pilgrim agency Opera Roman Pellegrinaggi said they have filled the iPod with plenty of content, with history, with everything you need to know about the basilica.'' She said the iPod can be used in the basilica's cloister, letting users better appreciate the beauty quietly as their headphones shut out the chatter of tourists. There's no charge, although users are told they can leave a donation if they like. But users must leave a document, like a passport or driver's license, as security, she added. After the experiment ends in December, the Vatican will decide whether to expand the iPod app to other Rome basilicas, although there are no immediate plans to use them for St. Peter's Basilica or it’s Square.