Rome has taken a bold step into the future with the launch of Julia, a cutting-edge virtual assistant designed for tourists, pilgrims, and locals alike. This artificial intelligence tool aims to transform how travelers experience one of the world’s most visited cities.

For those of us who remember the days of heavy guidebooks and paper maps, Julia offers a refreshing alternative. This virtual assistant is remarkably simple to use – accessible through free messaging applications that you might already have on your smartphone. Whether you prefer WhatsApp, Telegram, or Facebook Messenger, Julia is just a few taps away. Don’t worry about complicated technology – if you can send a text message, you can use Julia! The system responds to both written text and voice messages, making it perfect for those who find typing on small screens challenging.

Unlike generic search engines that might lead you to outdated information, Julia draws exclusively from certified sources and official data from Rome’s municipal government. This means that when Julia recommends that charming neighborhood trattoria or tells you about a lesser-known historical site, you can trust the information is accurate and up-to-date. For travelers seeking those “hidden gems” that most tourists miss, Julia serves as your knowledgeable local friend.

Language barriers have long been a challenge for international travelers, but Julia eliminates this concern entirely. This remarkable assistant can communicate in over 80 languages, both in written and spoken form. There’s no need to fumble with Italian phrases or worry about miscommunication – simply interact with Julia in English or any other preferred language. Best of all, this service is completely free to use worldwide, making it accessible to everyone planning a Roman holiday.

Julia isn’t just for finding tourist attractions. This versatile assistant provides real-time information on virtually every aspect of city life. Need to find transportation from your hotel to the Vatican? Julia can provide updated schedules for buses, metros, and trains, along with waiting times. Looking for a reliable taxi? The system offers information on fixed rates and booking options. Wondering about upcoming cultural events? Julia has a complete calendar of exhibitions, shows, and special events. It can even alert you to emergencies or weather conditions that may impact your travel to Rome!

Getting started with Julia couldn’t be simpler. Just visit julia.comune.roma.it and follow the straightforward instructions to connect through your preferred messaging app. Whether you’re planning your trip from home or already wandering Rome’s cobblestone streets, Julia is accessible from anywhere in the world. While this is the first release (and errors may be flagged through a provided email address), the system already contains a substantial pool of information about restaurants, hotels, exhibitions, shows, mobility options, and healthcare services.

For those curious about the technical aspects, Julia leverages Microsoft’s advanced GPT-4o model and was developed by NTT Data. The system will continue to evolve with regular updates to enhance its features and expand its knowledge base. Unlike many AI systems that scrape information from across the internet, Julia’s responses are based solely on verified data, ensuring accuracy and reliability with every interaction: the Eternal City has never been more accessible,  no matter your age or technical expertise.