4 Spring 2023: Humanities in Italy
Music/Fine Arts course taught by Dr. Jessica Raposo and course from the Florence University of the Arts.
May 13, 2023 – June 2, 2023
Arriving in Florence
Evening in Florence
Students visited Piazza della Signoria on their first night in Italy.
Palazzo Vecchio
Students visited Palazzo Vecchio. Student Serena wrote a blog post detailing their activities and first experiences in Italy.
Music in Florence Walking Tour
Students participated in a walking music tour led by Florence University of Arts faculty. Student Sara wrote a blog detailing what the students learned during the tour, as well as some personal experiences.
Fontana del Porcellino and Ponte Vecchio
Students visited Fontana del Porcellino and Ponte Vecchio.
Palazzo Pitti
Students visited Palazzo Pitti. During their visit, students saw the Palatine Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art. Students also visited the Treasury Museum and the Boboli Gardens. Student Payton wrote a blog detailing the students’ experience visiting these sites.
Santo Spirito, San Miniato al Monte, and Piazzale Michelangelo
Students visited Santo Spirito, San Miniato al Monte, and Piazzale Michelangelo. Student Kady wrote a blog about the experiences the students had whilst visiting these monuments.
Ospedale degli Innocenti
Students visited Ospedale degli Innocenti, one of the earliest foundling hospitals. Student Lillian wrote a blog about the building and its history.
Basilica Santissima Annunziata
Students visited Basilica Santissima Annunziata.
Basilica di San Lorenzo
Students visited Basilica di San Lorenzo, which was designed by Brunelleschi, and features art by Donatello and Michelangelo.
David of Michelangelo
Students had the chance to visit the Accademia Gallery, which contains many pieces of fine art, including the sculpture of David by Michelangelo. Student Anna wrote a blog about the experience.
Brunelleschi’s Dome
Students trekked the 463 steps to the top of Brunelleschi’s Dome.
The Baptistery and the Gates of Paradise
Students visited the Baptistery and the Gates of Paradise. Student Payton wrote a blog describing what the students learned and the sites they visited.
Bargello National Museum
Students visited the Bargello National Museum, where they saw sculpture and more from artists like Michelangelo, Donatello, Giambologna, della Robbia, and more. Student Kady wrote a blog describing the students’ experience visiting the museum.
Opera at Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino
Students attended a performance of Verdi’s “Otello” at the Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino. Student Gwendolyn wrote a blog about the experience.
Other Places in Florence
Here is a small collection of other places the students visited in Florence.
Florence to Rome
On their final night in Florence, students enjoyed a tasting menu at Ganzo School Restaurant. Next, they travelled to Rome.
Rome, Italy
Before ending the trip, the students and professors enjoyed a weekend in Rome.
Photo Credits
Attributions listed alphabetically:
Dr. Jessica Raposo
Palazzo Vecchio, most important historic government building in Florence, having been the seat of the Signoria of the Florentine Republic in the 14th century and then the government centre of the Medici grand dukes of Tuscany.
Source: Britannica
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Palazzo-Vecchio
Ponte Vecchio, the first segmental arch bridge built in the West, which crosses over the Arno River at Florence and is an outstanding engineering achievement of Europe’s Middle Ages.
Source: Britannica
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ponte-Vecchio-Florence-Italy
Boboli Gardens, approximately 111 acres (45 hectares) of lavishly landscaped gardens behind the Pitti Palace, extending to modern Fort Belvedere, in Florence.
Source: Britannica
https://www.britannica.com/place/Boboli-Gardens
San Miniato al Monte, three-aisled basilican church in Florence completed in 1062.
Source: Britannica
https://www.britannica.com/topic/San-Miniato-al-Monte
San Lorenzo, early Renaissance-style church designed by Brunelleschi and constructed in Florence from 1421 to the 1460s, except for the facade, which was left uncompleted.
Source: Britannica
https://www.britannica.com/topic/San-Lorenzo-church-Florence-Italy
David, marble sculpture executed from 1501 to 1504 by the Italian Renaissance artist Michelangelo.
Source: Britannica
https://www.britannica.com/topic/David-sculpture
The Duomo, Roman Catholic church in Florence, Italy. When it was consecrated in 1436, it was the world’s largest church, able to accommodate 30,000 worshippers.
Source: Britannica
https://www.britannica.com/topic/the-Duomo
