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 a liberal smothering of the Baroque.

A course like this can add real lustre to a student's academic credentials. The following itinerary explains the main themes and structure of the trip, but is not exhaustive in its descriptions of everything that will be seen on the trip.

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 Syracuse)

Before leaving Palermo we look at the fabulous Baroque sculptures of the overlooked Giacomo Serpotta. Then travel by private coach to Piazza Armerina, stopping off en route at Enna, where Pluto burst from the ground to seize Persephone. Back on the road, we go to the so called Imperial Roman Villa at Casale, where exquisite mosaics are so great that it is assumed this remote villa must have been that of a retired Emperor.  Arrive late at Syracuse and dine while looking over the great harbour where the Athenian fleet crumbled and Alcibiades' men perished as described by Thucydides himself.   

Day 4 (night in Syracuse)

Visit the Duomo, find a late Caravaggio and a rare painting by Antonella da Messina.

Day 5 (night in Reggio Calabria)

The morning is dedicated to the archaeological remains of Syracuse, with the first rate archaeological museum as well as the theatre, the so called Ear of Dionysius and the altar of Heiron II. Then, we board a train for Reggio Calabria across the Straits of Messina. 

Day 6 (night in Naples)

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

Day 7 (night in Naples)

In Naples we shall start with the history of this wonderful city, from its 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 8  (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 9 & 10 (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 we travel up to Rome by private coach stoppoing off en route at Pompeii, Herculaneum, Oplontis & Mount Vesuvius.

Day 11 to 15 (nights in Rome)

Rome is the place to draw together the threads of the Classical tradition. From the Ancient beginnings at the Colosseum, Forum and Pantheon to the gilded glamour of the Catholic church and its Baroque edifices, Rome is glorious. We shall also spend a morning at St Peter's followed by an afternoon at the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.

In Rome, we would hope to go to the Opera, possibly at the Baths of Caracalla.