Rome, Italy
By: Christine Voigt
City Facts
Rome Population
Italy Population
Currency
Time Zone
Language
2,628,000 *
57,253,000 *
Euro (EUR)
GMT + 1 hour
Italian
This is a map of central Rome during the Roman Empire.
Roman Forum
Date of our visit: Saturday, May 12, 2007
Hours of visitation: 9:00 am-6:00 pm
Admission: Free
The Roman Forum is one of the most suggestive places in Rome. The Roman Forum was the heart of ancient Rome, and here
is echoed almost every event of importance in Rome’s development, from the time of the Middle Ages and all the way back to the
Republican and Imperial eras. Many buildings survive from these times, some with their columns or huge vaults sill standing, other
only recognized by their foundations. The massive paving stones of Rome’s most significant ancient road, the Sacra Via, remain
noticeable here and pass the well-preserved triumphal arches devoted to Titus and Septimius Severus.
There are five entrances to enter the Forum and it is said that you need a least half a day for a complete visit. During the
summer time there are tours available to take throughout the Forum. The best view to be able to see much of the Forum is from the
Capitoline Hill: from the Tabularium, or from Via San Pietro in Carcere or Via di Monte Tarpeo. Throughout the Forum there are
very few signs to be able to help you find what you are looking for and only some of the buildings are labeled with marble plaques.
While walking through the forum you may want to bring a bottle of water, for there are no refreshments available, only drinking
fountains.
Here is a list of some of the buildings you want to look out for while touring through the Roman Forum.
Temple of Saturn: is a monument to the agricultural deity, Saturn, which stands at the western end of the Roman Forum. It represents
the oldest-surviving foundation in that area, having been established between 501 and 498 BC.
Temple of Caesar: was built by Augustus after the senate sanctified Julius Caesar after his death. It stands on the east side of the
main square of the Roman Forum, between the Regia, Temple of Castor and Pollux and the Basilica Aemilia.
Basilica Maxentius and Constantine: this Basilica is known to be the largest building in the Roman Forum.
Arch of Septimius Severus: is at the northeast end of the Roman Forum which is an arch erected in AD 205 to honor the
Parthian victories of Emperor Septimius Severus and his two sons in the two campaigns against the Parthians of 195 and 203.
Other places to look out for are the Regia, the Rostra, Tabularium, and the Umbilicus Urbi.
Colosseum
Date of our visit: Saturday, May 12, 2007
Hours of visitation: 9:00 am-7:00 pm
Admission: €11
The Colosseum is the most famous structure of ancient Rome, although from this day it is still one of the least-studied works
of the Roman period. The Colosseum is the largest amphitheatre ever built by the Romans and the design has been copied in similar
buildings all over the Empire. In spite of being pillaged for centuries for its stone, this massive building preserves its remarkable
grandeur and the north-east side appears nearly unharmed. Formally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, this most well-known of
Roman landmarks takes its name from the enormous statue of the emperor Nero that once stood near this location. The Colosseum
was originally capable of seating some 50,000 spectators for animal fights and gladiatorial combats. The Colosseum when completed
measured 48 m high, 188 m in length, and 156 m in width. The wooden arena floor was 86 m by 54 m and covered by sand.
Because of the summer time, there will probably be long lines, so to make things a bit better you can purchase an admission to
the Roman Forum for the same €11 which also provides direct access to the Colosseum via an automated entrance. Due to the ruin
interior only a few hundred spectators can be accommodated in temporary seating, so don’t be disappointed when you are not able to
walk around the whole building.
Some things to look out for while visiting the Colosseum is the Arch of Constantine, which is free to view from the Colosseum
and only a short walk west of the Colosseum, this is a monumental arch that commemorates the victory of Constantine. Another place
to check out is the Palatine Hill, usually included in the admission for the Colosseum, which is the centermost of the seven hills of
Rome and is one of the most ancient parts of Rome. It is here that the ancient city was founded and grand Imperial palaces were later
built over its slopes. The gardens on the hill are spectacular and beautifully kept and are spread with wild flowers and fine trees. The
Palatine is said to be less crowded than the Forum and is one of the most romantic and charming spots in the center of the city.
Pantheon
Date of our visit: Sunday, May 13, 2007
Hours of visitation: 8:30 am-7:30 pm Monday through Saturday and from 9 am-6 pm on Sunday
Admission: Free
The Pantheon is still virtually intact as the most wonderful symbol of the Roman Empire. This building is dedicated to all the
gods, and it was envisioned as a secular Imperial monument as much as a shrine. In the year 609, the Pantheon was converted into a
church, and is the first temple in Rome to be Christianized.
The Pantheon’s structure is magnificent; from the front you see three ranks of large granite Corinthian columns all the way up
to the remarkable oculus in the center of the building. The dome weighs a staggering 4,535 metric tons which is concentrated on a
ring of voussoirs 9.1 meters in diameter which form the oculus. The thickness of the dome varies from 6.4 meters at the base of the
dome to 1.2 meters around the oculus. Also housed in the Pantheon are two Italian kings; Vittorio Emanuele II and Umberto I, as well
as Umberto's Queen, Margherita. The Pantheon is still a church today and masses are also held there, particularly for Catholic days of
obligation and also for weddings.
Fun Facts about the Pantheon and Rome:
 The Roman Empire lasted from 30 BC to 476 AD.
 Most Roman villas were owned by senators or rich citizens.
 MCMLXXXV is 1985 in roman numerals.
 The Circus Maximus was a giant stadium used for mainly chariot races that could hold upwards of a quarter of a million
people.
 The Pantheon was built out of an early form of cement.
 Pantheon is a Greek word meaning "to honor all Gods."
 The giant dome that dominates the interior is 43.30 meters or 142 feet in diameter (for comparison, the White House dome is
96 feet in diameter).
 The Pantheon stood as the largest dome ever until Brunelleschi's dome at the Florence Cathedral of 1420-36.
 It's still the largest masonary dome in the world.
 The Pantheon is made perfectly harmonious by the fact that the distance from the floor to the top of the dome is exactly equal
to its diameter.
 The inscription on the front reads: M AGRIPPA L F COS TERTIUM FECIT, which translates to "Built by Marcus Agrippa,
the son of Lucius, third counsul."
Another place to look for while visiting the Pantheon is the Piazza della Rotonda which is a lively square filled with cafes, bars,
and restaurants. In the summer, visit the Pantheon interior in the day, if possible in early morning before the tourist throngs, but return
in the evening; the piazza in front is especially dynamic on warm summer nights when the Pantheon is lit from below and stands as a
huge reminder of the magnificence of ancient Rome.
Tip For Traveling Through Rome:
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Traveling in Italy is cheaper in the south than in the north.
A cheap meal in Italy would normally set you back between US$8 and US$15.
Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are mostly expensive, although wine is fairly cheap.
Train and bus travel isn't dirt cheap but it's affordable. As an example, a train trip from Venice to Rome in 2007 costs about
US$58.
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If you travel in central Italy you can survive on as little as US$50 per day, but it probably won't be comfortable.
Budget at least another US$30 per day if you want "luxuries" in your holiday travel such as museums and a respectable
restaurant meal each day. Be mindful that many restaurants don't open till 7.30pm and, if you go to a cafe, order your coffee
"caldo" - otherwise it'll be lukewarm.
Visa, American Express and MasterCard are accepted almost everywhere you travel in Italy. Automatic Teller Machines
(called bancomats) which accept credit or debit cards are found even in small towns.
Almost everywhere in Italy you'll find a sun-drenched landscape peppered with fields, grape vines, olives and poplar trees, as
has been the case for thousands of years.
Summers can be hot and dry in southern coastal areas. In Rome, the average January temperature is 7.4C and the average in
July is 25.7C.
Most beaches are pleasant to swim from May to September.
Italy has a socialized medical system which allows almost anyone to walk into a public hospital and be treated or issued a
prescription without charge and without the need for travel insurance.
The telephone number for emergency medical assistance is 113.
The City of Rome has introduced a new Roma Pass which can help tourists navigate the many ancient artifacts, churches and
museums. The pass costs 18 euros and includes three days on public transport, limited free entry without queues, a map of
Rome, a city guide and a program of tourist services and events.
Italians drive on the right and mostly give way to the right.
Italians have a tendency to speak their minds and make their feelings clear, so be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster.
If you’re women seeking a romantic rendezvous in Italy, it might be worth noting a 2005 survey that found 80% of Italian men
aged between 18 and 30 still live with their parents. 
Rome (Part 2) (The Vatican)
By: Kris Lindberg
Vatican Museum
Date on our trip: Saturday, May 12th (Fly into Rome at 8:00 am, our first day there)
Hours of Operation: 10:00am to 3:30 pm
Admission: Included with trip
Dress Code: You cannot wear shorts inside any of the buildings, but you can wear skirts that are below the knee.
You also must not wear tank tops or sleeveless shirts inside the buildings. So be prepared with the proper attire
this day!!
The Vatican Museum celebrated its 500th birthday last November. It has been collecting a vast array of art and
collectables over this entire time, and is one of the finest in the world. It first started out by a collection of
sculptures the pope decided to show to the public. It was one of the first of its kind in having public viewings of a
palace’s collectables. The popes decided to do this because they felt it would bring art and culture to the common
people. The museum has grown greatly since its beginning and now has over 25 different collections of artifacts
and art. It has works of famous artist such as Da Vinci and Rafael. The museum can be quite overwhelming and it
is usually recommend that you take at least two or three trips through the museum, unfortunately, we will only pass
through once for a few hours. The museum is comprised of a long chain of different collections. I will go through
some of the collections and their key items of interest.
Map of the Vatican and its key places
Here are some of the collections we will be seeing at the museum, according to www.roma2000.com:
EGYPTIAN MUSEUM
It consists of stelai and inscriptions from various ages, sarcophagi and mummies, Roman statuary (from the first and second century
A.D.) designed to imitate or interpret the forms and aesthetics of Egyptian statuary, proto-historic and Roman ceramics, cuneiform
tablets and Mesopotamic seals, Assirian bas-reliefs from the palaces of Sargon the IInd (722-705 B.C.) and Sennacherib (705-681
B.C.) in Nineveth.
CHIARAMONTI MUSEUM
It was founded by Pope Pius VII (Chiaramonti) and includes: the Corridoio (Corridor), the Galleria Lapidaria and the Braccio Nuovo
(New Side). In the Corridor, divide into 60 sections, is an interminable series of statues, busts, sarcofhagi, reliefs, etc: about 800
Greek-Roman works. In the Galleria Lapidaria there are over 5000 pagan and Christian inscriptions. In the Braccio Nuovo, the Statue
of Augustus of Prima Porta, the Group of the Nile and the Doriforos, deserve particular attention.
MUSEUM OF POPES CLEMENT XIV AND PIUS VI
In the Palazzetto of Belvedere the visitor finds Greek and Roman sculptures like the Apollo Belvedere (a Roman copy from the
original Greek sculpture, 130-140 A.D.), the famous group of Laocoön by Agesander, Polydorus and Athanodorus, the statue of
Hermes (copied during Hadrian's reign from an original Greek bronze of 4th century B.C.), the colossal statue of Antinous (photo),
and moreover the Canova's Cabinet, the Gallery of Statues, the Room of the Animals, etc.
GREGORIAN MUSEUM OF ETRUSCAN ART
The Etruscan Museum was founded by Gregory XIV in 1837 to house the works coming from the excavations carried out in southern
Etruria. It was later enriched with further acquisitions and donations, and became one of the most important for Etruscan art.
ANTIQUARIUM ROMANUM
Divided into three small rooms, the Antiquarium houses mainly ancient Roman objects and works of the minor arts.
VASE COLLECTION
The collection consists of Greek and Etruscan black figure ceramics.
THE BIGA ROOM
This room, built during the pontificate of Pius VI (1775-99), is named after the Biga, the two-horse chariot located in the middle of the
display area. The Roman Biga dates to the first century B.C.
GALLERY OF THE CANDELABRA
Once a loggia, the gallery was enclosed during the pontificate of Pius VI. Arches supported by columns and pillars were used to divide
the space, which was then hung with candelabra, one for each arch: hence the name of the gallery.
GALLERY OF THE TAPESTRIES
Decorated during the pontificate of Pius VI, the gallery is named after the tapestries which were first exhibited there in 1814.
GALLERY OF THE MAPS
The Gallery is named after the maps painted on the walls in 40 different panels, each devoted to a region, island or particular territory
of Italy.
APARTMENT OF ST.PIUS V
Gallery of St. Pius V: tapestries produced in Tournai in the middle of the sixteenth century and by Pieter van Aelst.
Chapel decorated with frescoes by Giorgio Vasari and Jacopo Zucchi.
SOBIESKI ROOM
Named for the painting which takes up the entire north wall with its depiction of the victory of John III Sobieski, King of Poland, over
the Turks outside the walls of Vienna in 1683. The work was painted by Jan Matejko (1883).
ROOM OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
Located in the Borgia Tower, this room is decorated with frescoes by Francesco Podesti depicting scenes based on the dogma of the
Immaculate Conception.
RAPHAEL'S ROOMS AND LOGGIAS
The four rooms commonly known as the "Rooms of Raphael" were part of - together with the "Chiaroscuri" room, the Old Room of
the Swiss, the cubicle with its adjoining heater, the Nicholine Chapel and the Loggia - the new residence chosen by Julius II on the
third floor of the building. The series of four communicating rooms was a reconstruction carried out by Nicholas V (1447-55) of the
thirteenth century palace of Nicholas III (1277-80). Towards the end of the first decade of the sixteenth century Perugino, Sodoma,
Baldassarre Peruzzi and Bramantino were all at work decorating them, but in 1509 Julius II dismissed them and commissioned
Raphael to decorate the whole of this part of the Vatican. He worked there for about ten years, but only three of the rooms were
completed before his death in 1520, and the direct intervention of the master is certain in only two of them.
COLLECTION OF MODERN RELIGIOUS ART
The collection includes Hundreds of paintings, sculptures, engravings and designs donated to the Holy See by private individuals and,
in some cases, by the artists themselves. Housed in 55 different rooms, the exposition was inaugurated by Pope Paul VI in 1973. The
itinerary begins in the Borgia Apartment, named for Alexander VI, who had the room decorated with the now famous frescoes, most
of which are the work of either Pinturicchio or his students.
The collection includes works of Ottone Rosai, Auguste Rodin, Carlo Carrà, Mario Sironi, Aligi Sassu, Renato Guttuso, Marc
Chagall, Paul Gauguin, Maurice Utrillo, Giorgio Morandi, Filippo de Pisis, Henry Moore, Paul Klee, Wassily Kandinsky, Georges
Braque, Umberto Boccioni, Giacomo Balla, Giorgio De Chirico, Jacques Villon, Bernard Buffet, Oskar Kokoschka, Pablo Picasso,
Francis Bacon, Diego Velasquez, etc.
APOSTOLIC LIBRARY
The Vatican Library was founded by Nicholas V (1447-55). Sixtus V (1585-90) commissioned the present building from Domenico
Fontana, who built the long gallery and the Salone.
VATICAN PICTURE GALLERY
The Vatican Picture Gallery was founded by Pope Pius VI (1775-99). Only in 1932 was a permanent site established in a building
commissioned by Pius XI (1922-39) from a design by the architect Luca Beltrami.
The gallery includes works of Giotto, Gentile da Fabriano, Beato Angelico, Perugino, Pinturicchio, Leonardo, Tiziano, Guercino, van
Dyck, Poussin, etc.
GREGORIAN MUSEUM OF PROFANE ART
The special building constructed to house the museum (founded by Gregorius XVI in 1844) runs parallel to the Pinacoteca and was
opened in 1970. The works are arranged according to didactic criteria, liberated as far as possible from arbitrary integration and
excessive restorations. The four sections contain Roman copies and re-elaboration of Greek originals, Roman sculptures of republican
and early imperial periods, sarcophagi, later Roman sculptures.
CHRISTIAN MUSEUM
Founded in 1854 by Pius IX in the Lateran Palace to house the Christian antiquities found during the excavations of the catacombs,
the Museo Pio Cristiano was transferred to the Vatican in 1963.
MISSIONARY MUSEUM OF ETHNOLOGY
The material is vast and various and is presented according to didactic principles so as to document the religious cult of the various
civilization which have flourished in other continents over an enormous span of time, from centuries before the coming of Christ right
up to our times.
CARRIAGE PAVILION It was founded under the auspices of Paul VI and laid out in 1973 in a building constructed under the
Square Garden.
The collection contains: the carriages of popes and cardinals, with various harnesses; graphic and photographic documentation of
solemn processions containing berlins and carriages; black landaus for daily conveyance and the first automobiles used by the popes.
The Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel is one of the most famous places in the world, mostly because of its artwork by
Michelangelo. It has been called his greatest work, and when you see the sheer size of the ceiling he
painted you will be amazed as well. He spent several years painting the ceiling, and some even say lost
some of his eye site from it. The Chapel is right at the end of the Vatican Museum and is its most
popular area. Some people suggest that if possible; bring mini binoculars so you are able to see a
closer view of the majestic artwork.
The ceiling is made up of several different sections; the central stories, webs, pedentives, and prophets.
The central stories are nine pictures of stories from Genesis. The webs are the triangle pictures on the
sides and feature the ancestors of Christ. Pendentives are the corner pictures and feature stories of
God saving his people. Between the Webs are pictures of different prophets.
20 years after Michelangelo painted the ceiling he was called back to do a painting behind the altar of
the Last Judgment. This is also probably the other most famous work of Michelangelo next to the
ceiling.
Another interesting thing about the Sistine Chapel is that it was built with the same dimensions as
Solomon’s Temple in the Old Testament. (40.93 meters by 13.41 meters)
St Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica is the foremost Christian complex in the world. It really is most impressive religious building in the
world. It was originally built on the site of St. Peter’s crucifixion and burial. Constantine first built a basilica around the
year 326 AD. By the middle of the 15th century, the old basilica was falling apart, so they started making preparations to
build a new basilica. Construction didn’t actually begin until 1506 and amazingly wasn’t completed until 1626.
Michelangelo actually designed the massive dome for St. Peter’s Basilica. It is the home of the pope and the
headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. St. Peter’s Basilica is so massive that it can house over 60,000 people at
once and has 45 different altars that are painted by famous artists.
Right outside of St. Peter’s Basilica is St. Peter’s Square. This was created so it made it possible for many people see the pope give
his blessing. The long rows of columns on each side represent the church reaching out its arms and embracing the world. There is
also, oddly enough, an Egyptian Obelisk in the center of the square.
Florence, Italy--Erik Preston
Some Famous Florentines and where they are buried in
Florence.
The Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery is an old Palace in Florence which is
home to one of the oldest and most famous art museums in the
world. At the Uffizi there are sculptures, paintings, tapestries,
ceramics, and furniture by artists from the 13th to 18th century. It
has 45 rooms, each one devoted to a different era/artist. The
museum contains about 1700 paintings, 300 sculptures, 46
tapestries, and 14 pieces of furniture which includes the ceramics.
Artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Michelangelo,
Raphael, and Rembrandt are represented in the many galleries
along with many other great artists.
This famous gallery was built for Cosimo dei Medici, who
hired Giorgio Vasari to construct the building in 1560 to house the
administrative offices (or “uffizi”, hence the name of the gallery)
of the Florentine government.
In 1581, Francesco, Cosimo’s son, closed the top floor of
the gallery and began displaying statues, medals, jewelry,
weapons, paintings, and scientific instruments. Since the Medici
family frequently added to the gallery, it grew rapidly, filling with
famous works of art until the last of the Medici, Grand Duke Gian
Gastone Medici, died. His sister Anna Maria Ludovica left the
Gallery to the city of Florence.
The gallery officially opened its doors to the public in
1765.
If one enjoys the history behind the paintings or would like
a better guide to the museum, one can purchase the official guide
to the Uffizi (about €5-10) outside the Gallery in Florence.
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Dante Alighieri (1265-1321)
o Writer of “The Devine Comedy”
o Memorial tomb in the Basilica di Santa Croce
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Michelangelo (1499–1501 )
o Sculptor – David
o Buried in the Basilica di Santa Croce.
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Cosimo de Medici (1389 –1464)
o First of the Medici Dynasty
o Buried in the Basilica of San Lorenzo.
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Donatello (1386-1466)
o Famous sculptor
o Buried next to Cosimo di Medici in the Basilica of San
Lorenzo
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Galileo Galilei (1564-1642)
o Famous scientist and astronomer
o Buried with his daughter Maria Celeste in the Basilica di
Santa Croce.
Rooms Index (See Map)
0 Archeological Room
1 The Church of San Pier Scheraggio
2 The 13th Century and Giotto
3 Sienese Painting of the 14th Century
4 Florentine Painting of the 14th Century
5-6 (International) Flamboyant Gothic Room
7 Early Renaissance Room
8 The Filippo Lippi Room
9 The Antonio Pollaiolo Room
10-14 The Botticelli Room
15 The Leonardo Da Vinci Room
16 The Map Room
17 Hermaphrodite Hall
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
38
41
42
43
44
45
The Tribune
The Signorelli and Perugino Room
Dürer and German Painting
The Giovanni Bellini and Giorgione Room
Flemish and German Masters Room
The Correggio Room
Miniatures Room
Michelangelo and Florentine Painters
The Raphael and Andrea del Sarto Room
The Pontormo and Rosso Fiorentino Room
The Titian Room
The Parmigianino Room
Emilian School Room
The Dosso Dossi Room
Sebastiano del Piombo and Lorenzo Lotto
The Cinquecento Corridor
The Veronese Room
The Tintoretto and Barocci Room
Temporary Exhibitions
The Rubens Room
Niobe Room
The Caravaggio Room
The Rembrandt Room
The 18th century Room
The Uffizi Gallery, contains many great works of art, throughout
Vasari is “Venus as a symbol of spring, being adorned with
all forty-five rooms, but one can’t possible see all of them unless
flowers by the Graces.” The woman in the center is thought to be
they have a quite a bit of time. So there are a few that should
possibly Venus and this is her garden. The three women to the
specifically be sought out. One includes the Ognissanti Madonna
left are thought to be the Three Graces representing a symbol of
(1310) by Giotto located in the 2nd room (13th Century and
Liberality. Cupid is flying above. The man to the left is thought
Giotto). This painting is a devotion to the virginity, maternity,
to be Mercury, herald of Jove, who may represent knowledge
and royalty of Mary. With Christ in her lap, saints surround her
here. To the right is Zephyrus the springtime wind, who is
and angels kneel at her feet to pay her homage.
chasing after Flora, the Latin goddess of Spring.
One must also make sure to view The Birth of Venus
In room 8 (The Filippo Lippi Room) one must view
(1484) by Sandro Botticelli found in 10-14 rooms (The Botticelli
Madonna with Child and Two Angels (1465) by Filippo Lippi.
Room). This painting is often misinterpreted as Venus arising
This painting is one of the most admired in the Gallery. The
from the sea but she is actually thought to be arriving at the
woman in the picture is believed to be Lucrezia Buti, a nun with
Kythera or Cyprus. She is being pushed towards the shores with
whom the friar/painter was scandalously in love with. The
the help of the winds of Zephyrus and Aura. Hora of Spring or
background painting seems to one of the landscapes of Leonardo.
one of the Three Graces welcomes her. Another famous painting
Another work of art by Lippi is the Coronation of the Virgin
by Botticelli is Primavera (1482). This painting described by
(1439-1447). This painting is quite interesting because not only
did Lippi work on this but so did other various artists. The work
Virgin’s arm reaching towards the lecture as well as the shadow of
of art was originally hung in Sant’ Ambrogio on the main altar.
the angel being too dark for the light which is suppose to be dawn.
The blue in the painting was later added by Lippi and is thought to
represent the arrival of the Virgin in Heaven.
One must also visit the Leonardo da Vinci, room15, to see
Doni Tondo (1506-1508) by Michelangelo is another great
work of art to view at the Gallery. It’s located in room 25 with
other great works from Michelangelo and Florentine artists. This
the Adoration of the Magi (1481). This is an unfinished work by
painting is considered by some to be one of the most important of
Leonardo. The panel painting has been varnished over several
the 16th century. In it the Virgin is taking (or offering) Jesus from
times and makes it difficult to see. Madonna sits in the middle
St Joseph while five nude males sit in the background. The
with Christ while hectic scenes unfold around her. Much
meaning of this piece may come from Biblical passages but it’s
symbolism exists in the painting; in fact in the background the
meaning is still uncertain.
ruins suggest a fall to paganism at the arrival of Christ. Another
In room 26, one can view Pope Leo X with Cardinals
painting by da Vinci in this room is the Baptism of Christ (1475-
Giulio de’ Medici and Luigi de’ Rossi (1518) by Raphael. The
1480). This painting was originally painted for the Church of San
figures in this painting were praised by Vasari because they are
Bartolomeo a Oliveto. This painting has recently been restored
quite realistic as is the fur lining on Pope Leo X. Also one should
and has allowed more detail to be shown. A couple interesting
take notice of the golden knob on the chair which is a reflection of
facts about the painting include the disproportionately of the
all that surrounds it (extraordinary detail!). Since the paintings
last restoration, many think the two cardinals may be additions to
his death in 1540. It’s famous for the exaggerated lenth of its
the painting by another artist.
figures.
In room 28, another famous painting resides by Titian and
A final painting one should definitely view at the Uffizi
his Venus of Urbino (1538). This is said to be a cultural icon
Gallery is Medusa (1600) by Caravaggio. The woman in this
because it is one of the most famous and erotic images of all time.
picture has locks of snakes and will turn anyone that looks at her
In this painting a young naked bride lies on a bed looking at the
into stone. This work was originally painted in Rome for the
spectator knowingly yet allusively. Symbols of fidelity in the
Cardinal Del Monte as a gift to Ferdinando de’ Medici.
picture include the little dog lying on the bed as well as the two
These are just a few of the 4800 great works of art in the
maidservants searching for clothes in the background. This
Uffizi Gallery. If one really enjoys the history behind the
painting was to serve as an instructive “model” for Giulia Varano,
paintings, it would be greatly recommended that one purchases
the Duke’s young bride at the time.
the official guide to the Uffizi in Florence outside the Gallery, in
The Madonna of the Long Neck (1534-1539) by
Parmigianino is also a great painting to take notice of. It was first
painted for the Servi church in Parma; however, the work remains
unfinished and was found in Parmigianino’s studio at the time of
order to fully appreciate the great artists and works the gallery
contains.
Primavera
(Spring) by Botticelli
Birth of Venus by Botticelli
Tondo Doni by Michelangelo
Madonna with Child and Two Angels by Lippi
Galleria dell'Accademia
In this gallery one will find many sculptures and paintings
by numerous artists dating form the 13th to the 18th century.
The piece that makes this museum famous is
Michelangelo’s David which was moved in 1873 to the gallery
Rooms Index (See Map)
1 - Ingresso
2 - Anticolosso
3 - Colosso
4 - Sala del Quattrocento
5 - Galleria dei Prigioni
6 - Tribuna del David
from its original place in the Piazza della Signoria.
Another famous sculpture by Michelangelo is I Quattro
Prigioni (the four captives or slaves) which was carved between
7 - Sala del Duecento e del primo Trecento
8 - Sala degli Orcagna e dei loro seguaci
9 - Sala dei Giotteschi
10 - Sala dell ' Ottocento
1530 and 1536 AD. This one was initially intended to adorn the
monumental tomb of Pope Giulio II in Rome.
11 - Sala di Giovanni da Milano
12 - Sala del Tardo Trecento
13 - Sala di Lorenzo Monaco
14 - Sala del Gotico Internazionale
This museum also has a guide book that can be purchased if
desired.
Michelangelo and Some of His Most Significant Sculptures by Lauren Bah
Italian sculptor, painter, architect, and poet, Michelangelo created some of the most famous works of art in the world today. The paintings
found on the Sistine Chapel being one of the most famous not to mention his sculptures of Pieta`, David, Moses, and those found in the Medici
Chapel.
Though born in Caprese, Italy in 1475, Michelangelo grew up in Florence. His father who was a magistrate was displeased to learn his son
was becoming an artist. Despite this, Michelangelo began an apprenticeship with Domenico Ghirlandaio for three years. During these three years
Michelangelo tried to suppress his apprenticeship because he didn’t want his work to be classified as a product of the workshop system, which was
thought to produce crafts rather than Liberal Arts. However, this is where Michelangelo learned his techniques for fresco painting. He then attended
Lorenzo de Medici’s school in the Palazzo Medici. Here Michelangelo created two marble works Madonna of the Steps and Battle of the Centaurs
both of which are found in Casa Buonarroti, Florence. During his apprenticeship and schooling he studied many great artists work such as Donatello,
Giotto, and Masaccio.
Throughout his life Michelangelo received many commissions to sculpt. In fact, in 1498, when he was in his mere twenties, he received a
commission to complete three marble figures, one of those being his first great sculpture, the Pieta`, for St. Peter’s.
The Pieta is the first of the
four sculptures that was created and completely finished. Michelangelo made this
sculpture from a slab of marble and
managed to finish it in less than two years. In it he depicts the Virgin Mary holding
her son Jesus Christ’s corpse.
Many artists have portrayed this image, however, Michelangelo’s seems to stand out
from the rest because he depicts the
Virgin Mary as a youthful and serene, and not broken hearted and older as other artist
had previously done. The Pieta has
often been described as one of the most magnificent sculptures ever created. It’s
exquisitely beautiful, moving, and
highly finished compared to his later works. When it was unveiled in 1500 in St.
Peter’s Basilica for the Jubilee,
people admired the beautiful sculpture but when Michelangelo overheard a group of
people crediting the work to other
artists he became furious. Enraged he added his signature down the sash of Virgin
Mary. He later regretted this and swore never to sign another piece of work. Today,
the Pieta sculpture can be seen at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Italy.
In 1501, he received a commission
displayed in the Galleria dell’ Accademia
works of Verrochio’s and Donatello’s
mentally tense, and Michelangelo wanted
does this by not emphasizing the slingshot
for the figure of David, which stood in the Piazza della Signoria and is now
in Florence, Italy. Usually, David is portrayed as a victor over Goliath as in the
Davids. However, Michelangelo decides to portray David before the battle. He is
to show David’s victory as a result of his cleverness and not merely by force. He
David holds over his shoulder. At the time Michelangelo made this statue from 1501
to 1504 Florence was young and surrounded by enemy cities that were stronger than them. When David, the statue, was placed in the square in front
of the city hall (where the copy of David now currently resides) the people of Florence found it to be a symbol and inspiration of victory over the
their surrounding enemies. David encompassed strength and wrath for the city. In this statue David’s character traits are more important than his
actual victory of Goliath, which is why Michelangelo choose to depict him this way before battle. Today, the original statue of David is found in the
Galleria dell' Accademia in Florence. There is also a copy of Michelangelo's David in front of Palazzo Vecchio in the Florentine square Piazza
Signoria, which is outdoors and can be seen 24 hours a day. There is also another copy of David in Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence.
Michelangelo was also commissioned to design Pope Julius II’s tomb which was to include forty standing figures, but when the Pope died in
1513 the contract was redone several times and never achieved it’s original potential. However, included in these works for the tomb was the statue
o f Moses, one of his greatest sculptures. It’s considered to be the summary of the monumental tomb of Pope Julius II. Here, Michelangelo was able
to bring together the elements in the statue with the flowing beard suggesting water, the wildly twisting hair fire, and the heavy drape earth. The
statue is now located in Rome at the church of St. Peter in Chains which is part of the Tomb of Pope Julius II.
In 1520, Medici Pope Leo X commissioned Michelangelo to design a facade for San Lorenzo, the Medici Parish Church. The pope wanted to
combine the tombs of Giuliano, Duke of Nemours, and his nephew Lorenzo, Duke of Urbino, with the tombs of Lorenzo the “Magnifici” and his
brother Giuliano, who was murdered in 1478. Their tombs and statues are at the Medici Church Chapel (or New Sacristy) today, which houses the
many monuments of the Medici family. When the Pope commissioned Michelangelo to design the tomb he gave him much liberty in completing the
task and though the chapel today remains unfinished, one can get an idea as to what Michelangelo wanted was planning. In the Chapel, each Dukes’
tomb is divided into two areas and the border is marked by a cornice. The lower part of the tomb contains the remains of the Dukes, and here lies the
statues Twilight and the Dawn, and
Night and Day as the symbol of the vanity of things both sculpted by Michelangelo.
Above this area sits the statues of
the Dukes’ “the subtlety of the richly decorated architecture which surrounds them
represent a higher sphere: the abode
of the free and redeemed spirit.” Today one can view the many monuments honoring the
Medici family in Florence, Italy.
Michelangelo
was
an
extraordinary artist, yet he was a man that was always unsatisfied with himself.
However,
he
was
deeply
appreciated especially for his sculptures in his time. The works described above are a
mere few of his many amazing
works of art. Michelangelo’s painting, sculpting, and architecture have made an
immense impact in the world of art
and are still studied today with great honor and admiration.
Land Marks
Cattedrale de Santa Maria del Fiore
Location: Piazza del Duomo, Florence, Italy
Phone: 055-230-2885
Bus: 1, 6, 17, 14, 22, 23, 36, 37, or 71
Hours: Church Mon-Wed and Fri 10am-5pm; Thurs 10am3:30pm; 1st Sat of month 10am-3:30pm, other Sat 10am4:45pm; Sun 1:30-4:30pm.
Cupola Mon-Fri 8:30am-6:20pm; Sat 8:30am-5pm
(first Sat of month to 3:20pm) Cost: Admission to church free;
Santa Reparata excavations 3€ ($3.45);
cupola 6€ ($6.90)
Tours: Free tours every 40 min. daily, 10:30am-noon and 34:20pm.
The original façade was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio
but usually attributed to Giotto. Work was begun in 1876 and
completed in 1887. This neo-gothic façade in white, green and
red marble forms a harmonious entity with the cathedral,
Giotto's belltower and the Baptistery, but it is excessively
decorated. This façade was the collective work of several
artists whose work is housed the Berlin Museum and in the
Louvre.
This church was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio in
1296 to be the fourth largest Roman Catholic church in the
world. The building of this vast project was to last 170 years,
the collective efforts of several generations.
The main attraction of this site is the dome that spans
42 meters across. In 1419, the Arte della Lana held a
competition to design a new dome and cupola for the cathedral
which Filippo Brunelleschi won. He proposed to build the
dome out of bricks in a distinctive octagonal design of the
double-walled dome, resting on a drum and not on the roof
itself. This allowed for the entire dome to be built without the
need for scaffolding from the ground. This enormous
construction weighs 40,785 tons and contains over 4 million
bricks.
The three huge bronze doors date from 1899 to 1903.
They are adorned with scenes from the life of the Madonna.
The mosaics in the lunettes above the doors were designed by
Niccolò Barabino. On top of the façade is a series of niches
with the twelve Apostles with, in the middle, the Madonna with
Child. Between the rose window and the tympanum, there is a
gallery with busts of great Florentine artists.
Nearby there the Campanile tower partly designed by
Giotto stands 85 meters high. Built between 1334 and 1359 it
is home to several enormous bells which can be heard across
Florence.
The church also contains several tombs, among others
those of Giotto, commissioned to Benedetto da Maiano by
Lorenzo the Magnificent, and that of the famous organist,
Antonio Squarcialupi, a favourite of Lorenzo to whom "The
Magnificent" wrote an epitaph. It is thought that the Poggio
rests in Santa Maria del Fiore. The sarcophagus of
Aldobrandino Ottobuoni is near the door of the Servi.
The Basilica of San Lorenzo
The Basilica di San of Lorenzo is one of the largest and
oldest churches of Florence, situated at the center of the city’s
main market district. It was consecrated in 393 AD and is one
of the many churches that claims to be the oldest in Florence.
For 300 years it was Florence's cathedral before it lost that
status to Santa Reparata. In 1419, Giovanni di Bicci de' Medici
offered to finance a new church to replace the Romanesque
building. Brunelleschi was commissioned to design it.
Some of the interior sites include Opening off the north
transept is the domed Sagresta Vecchia (Old Sacristy), the
oldest part of the present church, which contains the tombs of
several members of the Medici family. It was the only part of
the church completed in Brunelleschi's lifetime.
Opposite it in the south transept is the Sagrestia Nuova
(New Sacristy), begun in 1520 by Michelangelo, who also
designed the Medici tombs within.
The most celebrated and grandest part of San Lorenzo
is the Cappelle Medici (Medici Chapels) in the apse. The
Medici were still paying for it when the last member of the
family, Anna Maria Luisa de' Medici, died in 1743. Almost
fifty lesser members of the family are buried in the crypt,
designed by Bernardo Buontalenti.
The Ponte Vecchio
Ponte Vecchio or The Old Bridge is the oldest bridge in
Florence crossing the river Arno. Today, the bridge is home to
numerous jewelry shops selling antique and designer jewelry.
The central point of Ponte Vecchio opens up into an area with
vaulted pillars and stunning views of the river Arno.
Ponte Vecchio dates back to the Roman times,
however, the present structure is from 1565. At that time, a
piece of the Vasari corridor connecting Palazzo Vecchio, the
Uffizi and Pitti Palace was added to Ponte Vecchio. The
corridor runs around the medieval Manelli tower and over the
bridge to the other side of Arno.
During the warmer months, Ponte Vecchio is filled with
visitors, street performers and portrait painters. It is also very
close to the entrance to the Vatican Museums.
Basilica di Santa Croce
The Basilica di Santa Croce (Basilica of the Holy
Cross) is the principal Franciscan church of Florence. It is
situated on the Piazza di Santa Croce, to the east of the Duomo.
It was started in 1294, and contains must-see 14th
century frescoes by Giotto and Gaddi (his later pupil). It is also
famed for containing tombs and monuments, of such names as
Michelangelo (on the right as you enter: 1570) , Galileo (on the
left), Bruni (the large tomb at the end on the right), and
Machiavelli (mid-way down on the right). Whilst in the
pituresque cloister alongside the church, stands the Cappella
de' Pazzi ( a Renaissance masterpiece by Brunelleschi).
The Basilica, Museo, Cloister and Cappella de' Pazzi
are all open 10.30am-5.30pm Monday –Saturday, and Sundays
3-5.30pm.
Battistero di San Giovanni
The Battistero di San Giovanni (Baptistery of St John)
is famed for its three sets of bronze doors. It is located in the
Piazza del Duomo, just to the west of the Duomo.
The baptistery has eight equal sides with a rectangular
addition on the west side. This octagonal shape symbolizes the
"eight day"
The three sets of doors were designed by Andrea Pisano
(1329), Lorenzo Ghiberti (1403-1424), and (1425-1452).
Pisano’s doors, the south doors, depicted scenes from the life
of St. John the Baptist and 8 virtues (hope, faith, charity,
humility, fortitude, temperance, justice and prudence).
Ghiberti’s first set of doors, the north doors, depict a biblical
scene from the New Testament, the four evangelists and the
Church Fathers Saint Ambrose, Saint Jerome, Saint Gregory
and Saint Augustine. Ghiberti’s second set are on the east side
of the baptistery. The panels include decorated gilt framework
of foliage and fruit, many statuettes of prophets and 24 busts.
The two central busts are portraits of the artist and of his father
Bartolomeo Ghiberti.
Tips for Finding Gelato!
The vas amount of flavors and shops for gelato may get
overwhelming so here are a few guidelines.
1. Start by looking for signs that say produzione propria, which
means "house made," though even this is often not enough to
guarantee that the gelato will be any good.
2. Check for artificial flavors. What makes gelato so lovely is
the purity and explosiveness of its flavor. You can check this
by looking for neon green pistachio gelato. If it is green the
shop may not be as good for it adds food coloring and
preservatives.
3. When ordering gelato, try to limit yourself to three or four
flavors. Having too many flavors can get messy, and it
becomes difficult to tell which is which by the end of your
cone or cup.
A Day in Switzerland…
By Rachel Thysell
With less than a day in the breathtaking landscape of Switzerland, our visit will be jam-packed with all that it
has to offer. Here is a guide to the ins and outs of Switzerland.
Economy
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Strong economy in banking and finance
Tradition of military and political neutrality
4 national languages
o Swish German, French, Italian, Romansh
The Alps
Greatest mountain range stretching across Europe
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Swiss Alps are the central portion
More than 22,000 miles of well-kept hiking and mountain biking trails
Beautiful views of meadows, forests, glaciers, and mountain peaks
Currency
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1 U.S. dollar = 1.2268 francs
Since we are only visiting for a day, make sure to think about how much currency you want to exchange
ahead of time
Interlaken
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Located between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun
o Named after its geographical position
Interlaken lays at the flat area at the end of the Lauterbrunnen valley
Jungfrau Mountain (4158M) is main attraction for backpackers
Top Ski Region
o 3 ski resorts interconnected
Mürren
Small mountain village in middle of Alps
Population 450
Home of famous Piz Gloria Restaurant
o Made famous by James Bond movie
Staubach Waterfall
Located in Lauterbrunnen
300 M (900 ft) waterfall
Has inspired several artists, painters, and poets over the years
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Swiss Food
Most famous for Swiss cheese, and Swiss chocolate
Also known for sauerkraut, fondue, birchermüesli (sandwich), and zopf (bread)
References
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www.swissworld.org/chocolate
Wikipedia
http://finance.yahoo.com/currency