Caracalla Baths: An 800-Drone Light Show in the Skies Over Rome
On September 14, 2026, as night fell, the ruins of the Baths of Caracalla were restored to their former glory. For a few minutes, 800 drones recreated above the site the structures that had been lost for more than fifteen centuries. The show, produced by Allumee in collaboration with Dentsu Creative Italia, celebrated a milestone anniversary for a renowned international brand.
The Baths of Caracalla, an extraordinary site
Commissioned by Emperor Caracalla and inaugurated in 216, the Baths were among the largest public facilities in the ancient world. People did not come there just to bathe: they played sports, socialized, and spent the day there. The complex could accommodate up to 1,600 bathers at a time, and it remained in operation for more than three centuries, until 537, when the Gothic king Vitiges had the aqueduct that supplied it cut off.
These are the best-preserved Roman baths in existence today; they were also designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980
Today, what remains are immense walls, mosaics, and above all, that sense of grandeur. Creating a sound-and-light show in a place like this leaves no room for approximation. The site is a designated historic landmark, there are numerous restrictions, and the show must enhance the site without ever overshadowing it.
A drone show designed specifically for the venue
Our artistic team chose to work with the original architecture so that the illuminated sky would become an extension of the ruins. Each painting was conceived based on elements of the Baths of Caracalla: their structure, their mosaics, and the symbolism of water.
Our 3D artists modeled the entire architecture of the site so that the drone formations would align precisely with the ruins as seen from the audience’s perspective.
Jade Sang, lead artist, gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process
How did the Allumee artistic team approach a venue like Caracalla?
It was the first time we had literally flown over a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The flight path ran both above the ruins and in front of them. That’s also what made the project so challenging: we had to work around the architecture and play with the space, not just fly over it. That’s what added an extra dimension to the final animation.
How do we ensure that 800 drones fly as close as possible to the ruins without ever touching them?
We developed a specialized tool based on a 3D scan of the Caracalla ruins. It allowed us to adapt precisely to the site’s dimensions and plot flight paths that avoided every obstacle, while maintaining—as always—a minimum distance between each drone to prevent any risk of collision. We then modeled the show in our Blender software based on the audience’s location. This is what allows us to design each scene from the guests’ actual point of view.
What were the artistic choices made for this show?
Our client wanted to limit the number of scenes but make them impressive, so that viewers would have time to admire them. The main challenge was to inject dynamism into these static formations. Of course, the location itself—the impressive size of the flight zone and the number of drones—helped a great deal. At the same time, we worked on the color scheme using a limited palette of mainly blue and white, and alternated between different color effects as well as light sweeps. We wanted an elegant and understated look so as not to detract from the location.
Between abstraction and reconstruction, where do you draw the line?
The show combines both elements. Some of the scenes depicted the site as it once was: the buildings at actual size, the mosaics. Another, slightly more abstract but equally symbolic part consisted of more organic, less static particle effects that evoked new emotions. The show was accompanied by cinematic, highly emotional music. The ruins were also illuminated to highlight both the site and the performance. We sought a true symbiosis between the show and the architecture, so that each would resonate with the other.
800 drones flying over a UNESCO site
A production of this scale in Rome requires a thorough understanding of permits, heritage restrictions, and the local terrain.
Flying over a protected site in the heart of Rome: What permits are required, and how long does it take to obtain them?
We need approval from several agencies. The first is ENAC, the Italian Civil Aviation Authority. For each show, we submit a risk analysis—the SORA—to them, which details the flight zone, buffer zones, and emergency procedures.
At the same time, we need to obtain access to the airspace. This is essential whenever we fly near an airport, which was the case in Rome. For Caracalla, we therefore needed a specific exemption, and the flight zone was reserved via NOTAM, the official notice issued to pilots.
Finally, the relevant local authority and the site manager, the Soprintendenza Speciale di Roma, gave us the go-ahead. In total, it takes at least 35 days from the submission of the initial application to the day of the show.
How did you define the flight zone, the takeoff area, and the safety distances from the ruins and the guests?
We began by conducting a technical site visit, during which we performed a complete 3D scan of the site. Based on this visualization, we agreed on the drones’ flight zone and a safety zone, with spectators positioned approximately 70 meters from the show.
How do you prepare for an event like this, from the final rehearsals to the show itself?
Leading up to the show, we conducted several rounds of testing, including flights by groups of drones just a few meters above the ground. These tests are used to verify the magnetometers—the sensors that allow each drone to navigate. At a site like this, even the slightest magnetic disturbance can throw off a flight path.
The day before, we also held a dress rehearsal under show conditions. We took the opportunity to test several lighting setups for the ruins to find the one that best showcases both the site and the show.
A collaboration between Allumee and Dentsu Creative Italy
The project was carried out in collaboration with Dentsu Creative Italia, which coordinated the event. On the Allumee side, the show was led by Allumee Italia, our Milan-based team, with support from our creative and operational teams in France.
A Message from Luigi Onesti, Managing Director of Allumee Italia
“This is a project I’ll remember for a long time! Seeing 800 drones fly over the Baths of Caracalla and recreate the magnificence of this iconic Roman monument was simply magical. This is truly a one-of-a-kind project that Allumee Italia carried out to celebrate an exceptional client, in a setting where history, technology, and creativity came together in a truly unique way.”
Vanity Fair Italia described the show as a journey through time, while highlighting the quality of the execution and the impact of the drone show. This makes me particularly proud of the teams that contributed to this project. Because behind those few minutes in the sky lay weeks of creative work, administrative tasks, coordination, logistics, numerous rehearsals, and a remarkable team effort.
“I can only thank Dentsu Creative Italy for placing their trust in us on such an exceptional project.”
An event that received widespread coverage in the Italian press
Several Italian media outlets have highlighted what has been at the heart of the Allumee initiative since its inception: using technology to tell a story
8 million online views
Between media videos, participants’ posts, and our own content, the show has surpassed 8 million total views.
Caracalla's Show by the Numbers
drones
minutes
paintings
85 m high / 212 m long / 82 m deep
people mobilized by Allumee on site
cumulative online views
The Baths of Caracalla: Another Chapter for Allumee
Caracalla joins a series of projects that have one thing in common: a place or a brand with a compelling story to tell.
More than 3,000 drones flying over the Monaco Grand Prix circuit, the opening ceremony for Matera as the 2026 Mediterranean Capital of Culture, the finale of the musical *Soldaat van Oranje*, a landmark of Dutch theater, the Festival of Lights in Lyon, and activations for international brands such as Jordan.
The Allumee promise is based on an integrated artistic vision that approaches each project by starting with the message to be conveyed, in-house technology, and local teams with in-depth knowledge of the field.
“That’s what enables us today to take on projects that very few others can handle: flying over a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of a European capital for an international brand.”
Are you planning a major event? The sky is just waiting for your story.
On September 14, 2026, Dentsu Creative Italia commissioned Allumee to create and execute a show featuring 800 drones above the Baths of Caracalla, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This production in the heart of Rome demonstrates the high standards required for flying drones over a historic monument.
Event Coordination
Overall coordination of the event on behalf of an international brand.
Creation & Production
Artistic direction, 3D modeling of the site, and operational management of the 800 drones.
