Roman basilica uses quiet iPods to replace noisy tour guides

June 21, 2011

Officials at St. John Lateran 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.

 

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Further information:

• Vatican lending iPods to pilgrims to lower tour noise level in Rome basilica (AP)