Experiencing Place through Virtual Reality: A Geographical and Cognitive Perspective from the Case of Noto (Sicily)

Background: The integration of immersive technologies into geographical research opens new epistemological and methodological perspectives on how places are perceived, represented, and experienced. This study explores the intersection between human geography and cognitive science through the use of virtual reality (VR) as a medium for spatial experience and territorial interpretation. Methods: The research adopts a qualitative and exploratory approach centered on the pilot project “Noto in Virtual Reality”, developed at the University of Messina (COSPECS Department). The project consists of a virtual tour of the Modica di San Giovanni Winery in Noto, Sicily, reconstructed through a combination of 360° photographs and 3D scans implemented in Unreal Engine. It should be emphasized, however, that the simulation encompasses not only the winery, but also the surrounding area, providing a comprehensive view of the opportunities offered by the territory. Participants interact with the immersive environment via Meta Quest 3 headsets. The project is currently in its initial implementation phase and represents the first experimental application of the proposed model. The study draws upon theoretical frameworks from phenomenological geography (Tuan, 1977; Relph, 1976; Turri, 1998, 2014) and cognitive psychology to analyze the relationship between presence, sensory feedback, and spatial cognition. Results: Preliminary observations indicate that virtual reality reproduces, within certain limits, the perceptual and emotional richness of physical space. The immersive experience elicits a strong sense of presence and engagement, suggesting a form of experiential realism where perception and territorial understanding converge. The project highlights the potential of VR as a tool for communicating enogastronomic landscapes and enhancing spatial awareness through multisensory interaction. Conclusions: Virtual reality does not substitute real-world geography but extends it, offering a space for experimentation where perception, representation, and knowledge converge. When used critically, VR can serve as a cognitive and communicative device that makes the relational nature of place visible, supporting both academic research and local development strategies. The case of Noto illustrates how immersive technologies can strengthen the dialogue between geography and cognitive sciences, contributing to the renewal of geographical methodologies and the enhancement of territorial identities.