A Tour Through Italy’s
Most Famous Museums
and Attractions
Welcome to our exciting Museum and Attraction
tour through many beautiful cities in Italy. I’m
sure you’ll enjoy the rich history, incredible
masterpieces, exciting culture and landscape of
all the cities we visit. So…get your boarding pass
ready so we can take off!
Our Itinerary
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As soon as we arrive in our first destination,
Vatican City, we’ll grab a bite to eat and then
head on to our Vatican Museum Tour where we
will tour the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel and Museo
Pio-Clemento.
We’ll need rest after that trip. Good thing we’re
close to our next destination in Rome because the
following day we’ll tour the Colosseum and Domus
Aurea.
The next day we’ll have to do some traveling as we
will be about 144 miles from Florence, which is
where the Uffizi and Accademia Galleries are. We’ll
spend several hours viewing masterpieces from the
Italian Renaissance and studying Florentine
artists. We’ll also stop at the San Marco Museum
where we’ll tour a Monastery
After some rest, we’ll head north to Milan, which is
about 155 miles from Florence. There, we’ll visit the
Santa Maria Delle Grazie museum and learn about
Leonardo da Vinci.
If we have any time left, maybe we’ll
make a quick stop in Venice and take a
gondola ride!
Basic Italian Vocabulary
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Vatican Museum Tour Introduction
• Location: Located in Vatican City, near Rome. Established in 1503.
• Background: Visited by over 3 million people a year, houses fivehundred year old art collections, includes museum tours: Sistine
Chapel, Gregorian, Raphael’s Room, and Pio Clemento (aka Pio
Clementino).
Vatican Museum Tour-Sistine Chapel
About:
The decoration of the Sistine Chapel
was renovated after a long crack in
the ceiling had opened as the result
of excavations for construction in the
buildings. There are 9 central
stories illustrating episodes of the
Genesis. The repainting of the ceiling
was done in 1510 and was completed
in 1512. The Sistine Chapel takes its
name from Pope Sixtus IV della
Rovere. Before the altering, the
original painting began in 1481 and
ended in 1492.
Vatican Museum Tour-Sistine Chapel
Activity:
Name a famous room located in the Sistine Chapel
and write two paragraphs describing it in detail.
Vatican Museum Tour-Sistine Chapel
Q&A
Who painted the ceiling of the Sistine
Chapel?
a) Leonardo da Vinci
b) Michelangelo
Side Trips:
http://www.christusrex.org/www1/Sistine/0-Sistine.html
http://mv.vatican.va/3_EN/pages/CSN/CSN_Storia.html
Correct!! Great
job!
Sorry!! Try
Again.
Vatican Museum Tour-Museo Pio
Clemento
About:
Also known as Museo Pio Clementino,
this museum holds the Vatican sculpture
collection. Michaelangelo, who painted
the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, was said
to be present at the time it was
discovered in 1506. It is well known for
attracting all different faiths and
nationalities as it is said that the choice
of sculptures demonstrates a sensitivity
that diverts attention to the classical
origins, leaving room for believers from
many faiths to enjoy the seleted artwork.
The museum is located in the Belvedere
Pavillion. It has many famous pieces
including the Cortile Ottagono, or
"octagonal courtyard".
Museo Pio Clemento Tour
Activity:
Create your own sculpture using the medium of your
choice (clay, popsicle sticks, Play-Doh, etc.)
Vatican Museum Tour-Museo Pio
Clemento
Q & A: What year was the
Museo Pio Clemento first
discovered?
A) 1506
B) 1510
Excursions:
http://jhc.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/anstract/12/
2/151
http://ww1.aaa.com/eurotourbook/Romeet9.html
Colosseum Tour Introduction
• Location: The Colosseum, built in 72 AD, is situated in the center of
Rome.
• Background: Originally named Flavian Amphitheatre, it was opened in
80AD under the emperer Vespasianus.
Colosseum Tour-Gladiators
About: The Colosseum held gladiatorial
combats for a 50,000 crowd. The gladiators
were well trained to participate in these
bloody games, which were considered one
of the biggest forms of entertainment for
the entire town's population. Most
gladiators were once slaves or criminals.
The games were very barberic and many
died from the fierce battles over the fur
centuries of combat. At times there were
fights among men and beast. The opening
of the Colosseum was celebrated by holding
100 days of games there, which is where
Nero kept a huge villa for himself called
the Domus Aurea.
Colosseum Tour
Answer the following questions:
1. How many stories does the Colosseum have?
2. Who designed the Colosseum?
3. What types of activities and entertainment took
place at the Colosseum?
4. What materials make up the façade?
5. How many people visit the Colosseum each year?
Colosseum Tour-Gladiators
Q & A:The Gladiators only battled
among themselves.
A. True
B. False
Excursions:
http://ablemedia.com/ctcweb/consortium/gladiators.html
http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/romans/games/circus.htm
http://abacus.bates.edu/~mimber/Rciv/gladiator.htm
Colosseum Tour-Architecture
About: Constructed of brick and tufa (a porous rock), this
four-story, eliptical amphitheatre is a combination of
support columns and acres....80 arches on each of the
first three stories, to be exact. The exterior is a
beautiful travertine marble. The fourth story was
added when the building was refurbished around 230
AD. It is solid wall with thin columns. The architect is
unknown.
Colosseum Tour-Architecture
About: Constructed of brick and tufa
(a porous rock), this four-story,
eliptical amphitheatre is a
combination of support columns
and acres....80 arches on each of
the first three stories, to be exact.
The exterior is a beautiful
travertine marble. The fourth
story was added when the
building was refurbished around
230 AD. It is solid wall with thin
columns. The architect is
unknown.
Excursion:
http://www.greatbuildings.com/buildings/Roman_Colosseum.html
Domus Aurea Tour Introduction
Location: Located in Rome at the site of the Colosseum.
Background: A huge villa built for the God of the Sun, Nero, the rooms and
hallways were decorated almost entirely in gold, earning the name "golden
house"
Domus Aurea Tour-Roman Clothing
About: The toga is the garment of the roman
male. It is always made of wool but can come
in different colors. Just as individuals in our
society define themselves with dress, the
Romans also used dress to define status and
rank. Various types of togas were used for
this purpose. The toga was worn over a tunic
often made of linen. Non-citizens were not
allowed to wear the toga. The toga was
associated with peace. Women wore similar
garb, which is named the stola. The stola is
more of long pleated dress frequently worn
with a palla (a type of shawl). It was
considered a disgrace for a woman to wear a
toga; she must only be seen in the stola.
Domus Aurea Tour
Activity:
Draw a picture of a Roman toga and describe when
and why the toga was worn. What called for
wearing different styles of the toga? How abou the
Stola?
Domus Aurea Tour-Roman Clothing
Q & A: Men and women of Ancient Rome
frequently wore togas.
A. True
B. False
Excursions:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toga
http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman
/Texts/secondary/SMIGRA*/Toga.html
Domus Aurea Tour-Famous Leaders
About: During 753 BC and 509 BC, Monarchy
Rome, the Romans were ruled by Etruscan
kings who lived on the northern peninsula. The
Romans, once free from the Etruscans, vowed
never to be ruled by one man again. During 509
BC-49 BC, Republican Rome, two elected
leaders ruled jointly. They had to be at least 36
years old and only serve for one year. They both
had to agree on every decision. During the
Transition period 49 BC-20 BC, Julius Caesar
became lifelong dictator of Rome. His actions
needed approval by Senate. He was later
murdered by the Senate when he tried to gain
more power. Imperial Rome, 20 BC-522 AD, had
one person in control. The Senate's power was
greatly reduced.
Domus Aurea Tour
Activity:
Write ten facts you’ve learned about Julius Caesar.
Domus Aurea Tour-Famous Leaders
Q & A: Julius Caesar committed suicide
after the love of his life left him for his
brother.
A. True
B. False
Excursions:
http://www.ghg.net/shelter/rome/#leaders
http://www.pbs.org/empires/romans/empir
e/empire1a.html
Uffizi Gallery Tour Introduction
Location: The Uffizi Gallery occupies the top floor of a building designed
to house the Tuscan State administrative offices in Florence.
Background: One of the most famous museums of paintings and
sculpture, it houses masterpieces from Giotto, Leonardo da Vinci,
Raphael and Michaelangelo.
Uffizi Gallery Tour-Italian Renaissance
About: It has been said that the
beginning of the Italian
Renaissance started at the first
appearance of Giotto di Bondone in
the early 14th century. He was
considered a phenomenon in the art
world. Others insist that the
Renaissance style began in the 15th
century when a whole new
generation of artists came on the
scene. By the late 15th century this
new style had introduced the world
to proportion, linear perspective,
and contraposto. It was during the
High Renaissance that the world
was introduced to famous artist
Leonardo da Vinci.
Uffizi Gallery Tour
Activity:
Paint your own masterpiece! Using what you’ve
learned from the Italian Renaissance period,
paint something that would fit in during this
time.
Uffizi Gallery Tour-Italian Renaissance
Q & A: Leonardo da Vinci came on the scene
during the High Renaissance Period.
A. True
B. False
Excursions:
http://www.virtualuffizi.com
http://www.witcombe.sbc.edu/ART
Hrome.html
Uffizi Gallery Tour-Michaelangelo
About: "I cannot live under pressures from patrons, let alone paint"
~ Michelangelo, quoted in Vasari's Lives of the Artists
Michelangelo was a painter, sculptor, architect
and poet who significantly influenced the
development of western art. Some of his
most famous work includes David
(sculpture) and several works (paintings)
which are located on the ceiling of the
Sistine Chapel. He is an artist from the
High Renaissance . He lived in Florence
and remarkably, was mainly self-taught as
an artist, despite his years as an
apprentice. He was famous in his time and
his fame continues to this day as he is
recognized as a world famous artist.
Uffizi Gallery Tour
Activity:
Write two paragraphs about Michelangelo and
describe at least one of his famous works of art.
Uffizi Gallery Tour-Michaelangelo
Q & A: The famous piece, “David” is a
famous painting in the Uffizi Gallery.
A. True
B. False
Excursions:
http://www.abcgallery.com/M/michelangelo/
michelangelo.html
http://www.artchive.com/artchive/M/michel
angelo.html
Accademia Gallery Tour Introduction
• Location: Located in Venice, Italy, The Accademia Gallery is considered
Venice’s most famous art gallery.
• Background: The Accademia was founded in 1750 and is houses
masterpieces taken from churches and monasteries. It is particularly
famous for its sculptures by famed artist Michelangelo. The statue of David
was transferred here.
Accademia Gallery Tour-Florentine
Artists
About: Several great artists
from this age studied or
worked in Florence. This
was a time when men and
women purchased numerous
works of art and this style
in art seemed to flourish.
Michelangelo created his
famous sculpture of David
for a cathedral in Florence,
which is where he got his
start in painting and
sculpture.
Accademia Gallery Tour
Activity:
Name two famous artists and masterpieces from this
time. Where can their work be found?
Accademia Gallery Tour-Florentine
Artists
Q & A: There were many artists who
were considered Florentine Artists
based on where they worked or
studied.
A. True
B. False
Excursions:
http://gallery.euroweb.hu/tours/firenze.html
http://www.florentinepersona.com/art_history_resources.html
San Marco Museum Tour Introduction
Location: Located in Florence, the museum is housed in an old convent
which was restored and expanded to its current size.
Background: Visitors can experience a preserved 15th century convent. It
boasts many famous frescoes and illuminated manuscripts.
San Marco Museum Tour-Monasteries
About: Dozens of convents and monasteries
throughout Italy now hold bed and breakfasts
and are a popular place to stay for tourists.
With the rich history and breathtaking
architecture, it is easy to see why they have
become so popular. There are still some
monasteries filled with monks, chants, prayers
and services. Within certain monasteries, there
is somewhat f a community within. There is
work, rest and community relations. All monks
practice a sober lifestyle and live a simple life
within the monastery. They share with one
another, help one another and learn from one
another. Throughout the monastery is peace,
serenity and spiritual support.
San Marco Museum Tour
Activity:
Do monks still exist? If so, what is their purpose?
Where do they live? Describe what you’ve learned
about monks in two paragraphs.
San Marco Museum Tour-Monasteries
Q & A: Monasteries still exist today
in parts of Italy.
A. True
B. False
Excursions:
http://www.christusrex.org/www2/art/sa
n_marco.htm
http://www.camaldoli.it/en_index.htm
Santa Maria Delle Grazie Tour
Introduction
• Location: Located in Milan, this church is a striking monument
visited by thousands every year.
• Background: Built between 1466 and 1490, visitors will find the great
work of Leonardo da Vinci, The Last Supper.
Santa Maria Delle Grazie Tour-Leonardo
da Vinci
About: Leonardo da Vinci was well known
for many famous masterpieces such as
Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. Born in
1452, da Vinci was a famous Italian
painter, draftsman, sculptor, architect,
philosopher, mathematician, and
engineer. He had great impact on the
Italian Renaissance. He died in 1519 at
67 years old. He was not in good health
at the time of his death. He was an
apprentice in Florence working under
Verrocchio at the age of 14. He was
always considered ahead of his time, even
as a student. He was always looking to
learn more and explore farther. He is
known to many as a true genius.
Santa Maria Delle Grazie Tour
Activity:
Describe in two paragraphs, the famous painting,
The Last Supper. Draw your depiction of the
famous piece of art next to your writing.
Santa Maria Delle Grazie Tour-Leonardo
da Vinci
Q & A: Leonardo da Vinci died of
pneumonia in 1915.
A. True
B. False
Excursions:
http://www.cenacolovinciano.it/html/
eng/smgrazie.htm
http://www.kausal.com/leonardo/
Santa Maria Delle Grazie Tour-Fresco
Art
About: Although the origins and
development of fresco art are
unclear, evidence of frescoes
date back to the Minoan
civilization of Crete in the
second millennium BC. Artists
continued to paint frescoes
through the Roman Empire.
Fresco painting by Italian
artists bring the Italian
Renaissance and ancient
Rome to modern custom
design. Panel fresco art can be
hung while other fresco art is
painted right on the wall.
Santa Maria Delle Grazie Tour
Activity:
Name three artists who used this style of painting.
Santa Maria Delle Grazie Tour-Fresco
Art
Q & A: Fresco art was first
started in Fresco, Italy, where
many of the artists lived.
A. True
B. False
Excursions:
http://www.truefresco.com
http://www.italianfrescoes.com/
Chao…going back to the US
Well….It is time to head back
home now. Thanks for coming
along on our trip to Italy.
Arrivaderci!!