Where do we go, what do we see - Summer-Holiday-Courses-in-Southern-Italy - Art History Abroad

The main theme of this trip is the Classical tradition from the Greek world to Michelangelo, with liberal smothering of the Baroque. A course like this can add real lustre to a students academic credentials. The following itinerary explains the main themes and structure of the trip, but is not exhaustive in it's descriptions of everything that will be seen on the trip.

Optional Sunday

Due to the early morning flight from Stansted to Sicily on the Monday, there is an option to stay in nearby B&B the night before, with this in mind there is an afternoon in central London at the British Museum, where we have access to parts of the collection that are often unavailable to the public. We would then head up to the B&B in Bishops Stortford.

Day 1 & 2 (nights in Palermo)

Two nights in Palermo, after an initial orientation and explanantion of Sicily's encrusted history, a visit to the Archaeological Museum and nearby catacombs. A day trip to Segesta where we shall see the ancient Greek temple and theatre, introducing both Sophocles and Euripides as well as the theme of temple design and building.

Day 3 (night in Piazza Armerina)

We shall look at the fabulous Baroque sculptures at Serpotta. and then travel by private coach to Piazza Armerina, stopping off en route at Enna, the proclaimed entrance to the underworld, where Pluto, Persephone and mythology will take up our thoughts, and then Villa Casale, with exquisite mosaics of the late Roman Empire, an introduction to Constantine shall ensue.

Day 4 (night in Siracuse)

Moving across Sicily to the West coast we shall arrive in Siracuse, where we shall be staying in the characterful district of Ortiga for the night. Having visited and discussed both the catholic Duomo and the pagan Temple of Mars, and spent sometime looking at Renaissance paintings by the likes of Antonella da Messina we shall return to the time of the Athenian Expedition, and the attempt to take the bay of Siracuse, with a little help from Thucydides.

Day 4 (night in Reggio Calabria)

The following morning is dedicated to the Archaeological remains of the city of Siracuse, with the first rate archaeological museum  as well as the theatre, ear and altar of Heiron II. Then we shall travel via train on to the peninsula of Italy, stopping for the night at Reggio de Calabria.

Day 5 (night in Naples)

The Greek bronzes in Reggio Calabria's Archaeological Museum, were found on the sea bed only a few decades ago are some of the most extraordinary large scale Greek bronzes from the classical period ever found. The afternoon will be spent travelling up to Naples on the train.

Day 6 (night in Naples)

In Naples we shall start with the history of this wonderful city, from it's Greek origins to the present day, visting the underground Cisterns and the Neopolitan Rococo and Baroque churches along the Spaccanapoli. The afternoon shall be spent at the world famous Museo Archaeologico, which contains the Doryphorus, Tyrannicides and Farnese Collection, as well as other treasures of Vesuvius, Pompeii, Herculaneum and Paestum.

Day 7  (night in Amalfi)

After a morning in the fantastic Capodimonte Museum, with works by Simone Martini, Masaccio, Botticelli, Michelangelo, Titian, Tintoretto, Pontormo and Caravaggio, we shall then spend the afternoon looking at some local churches taking in work by Guido Mazzoni, Vasari and Caravaggio among others.  In the evening we shall travel forty minutes down to Amalfi on the coast.

Day 8 & 9 (night in Amalfi, night in Rome)

A well earnt day of rest ensues, on the beach or a boat, this is a day to take in the glorious weather and unmistakeable tranquility of  this enticing part of southern Italy. The following day w

Day 10 to 14 (nights in Rome)

The Classical tradition can be perfectly summed up in this city, and the final five days will cover every facet. From the Ancient beginnings at the Colosseum, Forum and Pantheon to the gilded glamour of the Catholic church and it's Baroque edifices, Rome is glorious. We shall also spend a morning at St Peter's followed by a private visit of the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel in the afternoon.

Additionally, we will organise a special evening event each week. In the first week this might be attending a Greek play in Sicily. In Rome, we would hope to go to the Opera, possibly at the Baths of Caracalla.