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

• 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

Hello Goodbye Excuse Me Which way?

How Much? When? Telephone I need assistance.

Please Thank you Yes Money

Click the symbol to hear the word spoken in Italian

Vatican Museum Tour Introduction

• Location: Located in Vatican City, near Rome. Established in 1503.• Background: Visited by over 3 million people a year, houses five-

hundred 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.

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

Vatican Museum Tour-Sistine Chapel

Side Trips:http://www.christusrex.org/www1/Sistine/0-Sistine.htmlhttp://mv.vatican.va/3_EN/pages/CSN/

CSN_Storia.html

Correct!! Great job!

Sorry!! Try Again.

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".

Vatican Museum Tour-Museo Pio Clemento

Activity:

Create your own sculpture using the medium of your choice (clay, popsicle sticks, Play-Doh, etc.)

Museo Pio Clemento Tour

Q & A: What year was the Museo Pio Clemento first discovered?

A) 1506B) 1510

Vatican Museum Tour-Museo Pio Clemento

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.

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-Gladiators

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

Q & A:The Gladiators only battled among themselves.

A. TrueB. False

Colosseum Tour-Gladiators

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

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.

Colosseum Tour-Architecture

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"

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-Roman Clothing

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

Q & A: Men and women of Ancient Rome frequently wore togas.

A. TrueB. False

Domus Aurea Tour-Roman Clothing

Excursions:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toga

http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/secondary/SMIGRA*/

Toga.html

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-Famous Leaders

Activity:

Write ten facts you’ve learned about Julius Caesar.

Domus Aurea Tour

Q & A: Julius Caesar committed suicide after the love of his life left him for his brother.

A. TrueB. False

Domus Aurea Tour-Famous Leaders

Excursions:

http://www.ghg.net/shelter/rome/#leaders

http://www.pbs.org/empires/romans/empire/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.

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-Italian Renaissance

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

Q & A: Leonardo da Vinci came on the scene during the High Renaissance Period.

A. TrueB. False

Uffizi Gallery Tour-Italian Renaissance

Excursions:

http://www.virtualuffizi.com

http://www.witcombe.sbc.edu/ARTHrome.html

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-Michaelangelo

Activity:

Write two paragraphs about Michelangelo and describe at least one of his famous works of art.

Uffizi Gallery Tour

Q & A: The famous piece, “David” is a famous painting in the Uffizi Gallery.

A. True

B. False

Uffizi Gallery Tour-Michaelangelo

Excursions:

http://www.abcgallery.com/M/michelangelo/michelangelo.html

http://www.artchive.com/artchive/M/michelangelo.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.

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-Florentine Artists

Activity:

Name two famous artists and masterpieces from this time. Where can their work be found?

Accademia Gallery Tour

Q & A: There were many artists who were considered Florentine Artists based on where they worked or studied.

A. TrueB. False

Accademia Gallery Tour-Florentine Artists

Excursions:

http://gallery.euroweb.hu/tours/firenze.html

http://www.florentine-persona.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.

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-Monasteries

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

Q & A: Monasteries still exist today in parts of Italy.

A. TrueB. False

San Marco Museum Tour-Monasteries

Excursions:

http://www.christusrex.org/www2/art/san_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.

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-Leonardo da Vinci

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

Q & A: Leonardo da Vinci died of pneumonia in 1915.

A. TrueB. False

Santa Maria Delle Grazie Tour-Leonardo da Vinci

Excursions:

http://www.cenacolovinciano.it/html/eng/smgrazie.htm

http://www.kausal.com/leonardo/

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-Fresco Art

Activity:

Name three artists who used this style of painting.

Santa Maria Delle Grazie Tour

Q & A: Fresco art was first started in Fresco, Italy, where many of the artists lived.

A. TrueB. False

Santa Maria Delle Grazie Tour-Fresco Art

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!!