Overview

Course No. 3032

Let The Great Courses and Smithsonian Journeys take you on a rich and diverse tour that explores the crown jewels of Italian civilization. Italy is the quintessential travel destination for anyone interested in art, culture, and history. Known as one of the fonts of Western culture, it was the center of the Roman Empire and the place where the Renaissance flowered. Today, it remains a mecca for cultural travelers, uplifting, fascinating, and enchanting all who travel there.

Italy contains a stunning panorama of history, architecture, art, and culture, all within settings of astonishing beauty. From its epic history and fabulous art to its luminous landscapes and incalculable jewels of architecture, it would be hard to exaggerate the riches of this extraordinary country. Working with experts from Smithsonian and their renowned cultural travel program, Smithsonian Journeys, The Great Courses created a “Grand Tour” that explores Rome, Florence, Venice, and other culturally rich locations, such as Pompeii and Perugia; highlights countless masterworks of artistic genius; and examines the impact of Italian history on the rest of the world. You’ll make extensive visits to many points of interest, led by Professor Kenneth R. Bartlett, who has devoted much of his career to bringing Italian culture and history into classrooms and has led tours of Italy for more than 30 years. If you plan to visit Italy, this course will introduce you to the incomparable gems you can’t miss while you are there. And if you prefer to explore the world from the comfort of your home, we’ll bring Italy to you. Either way, this new, visually splendid tour of Italy will expand your education in the sources of Western art, culture, and history.

Video Lessons

01: Rome: The Eternal City

Begin your journey with sites along the Tiber River, which tells the story of Rome through the ages. Climb the Monte Caprino, one of Rome’s seven hills, to see monumental sculptures, Michelangelo’s magnificent piazza and palaces, and the outstanding decoration and artworks of the Church of the Aracoeli.

Duration: 30 min

02: The Capitoline and the Colosseum

Adjoining the Capitoline Hill, take in the grand Piazza Venezia, with its Renaissance and Baroque palaces, famous talking statues, and masterful church of Santa Maria di Loreto. Continue with the imposing forums of Trajan and Augustus, finishing with the history and lore of Rome’s iconic Colosseum, site of ancient entertainment and ritual.

Duration: 29 min

03: Imperial Palaces of the Palatine Hill

Learn about the marvels of Roman hydraulic engineering, and visit the massive Circus Maximus and the spectacular ruined baths nearby. Then discover the great palace complex of Domitian, with the emperor’s private quarters and ceremonial rooms; the houses of Augustus and Livia; and the Renaissance Farnese Gardens.

Duration: 30 min

04: Pompeii: A City Frozen in Time

Take a detour to the amazingly preserved city of Pompeii, with its fascinating view into the lives of ordinary Roman citizens. Envision the grandeur of Pompeii’s forum, with its temples, municipal buildings, and public baths. Explore luxurious mansions, brothels, and bakeries; the theatre, outdoor gymnasium and arena; and the beautiful Villa of Mysteries.

Duration: 30 min

05: The Roman Forum

Learn about the history of this monumental public space, the epicenter of Rome’s empire. Visit essential sites of the Forum, including the Temples of Venus and of Rome, the Arch of Titus, the Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine, and the House and Temple of the Vestal Virgins.

Duration: 30 min

06: Along the Via Sacra to the Capitoline

Continuing with highlights of the Forum, grasp the economic and civic functions of the Basilica Aemilia and the Basilica Julia. Take in important pagan shrines, the Curia or Senate House, and the Arch of Septimius Severus, and learn the remarkable stories of the Church of Saints Mark and Martina and the Mamertine Prison.

Duration: 29 min

07: The Via del Corso and Princely Palaces

Delve into the history of this famous street, and how it was named. Visit the Palazzo Doria Pamphili (containing a superb private art museum), the Palazzo Odescalchi, and the vast Palazzo Colonna, and learn about the lives of princely families. Discover the frescoes of the Galleria Sciarra, one of Rome’s little-known gems.

Duration: 29 min

08: The Trevi Fountain and Baroque Rome

A beloved symbol of Rome, the dazzling Trevi Fountain was a showpiece for Baroque papal power. After exploring the fountain, walk to the Piazza Quirinal, and visit its two majestic Baroque palaces. Also visit churches by Bernini and Borromini, highlighting Santa Maria della Vittoria, which contains Bernini’s Cornaro Chapel and Ecstasy of Santa Teresa.

Duration: 30 min

09: Above and Beyond the Spanish Steps

Walk down the famous Via Veneto to Bernini’s Fontana Tritone fountain, continuing to the massive Palazzo Barberini, now a superlative art museum. Explore the picturesque Spanish Steps area, highlighting the Villa Medici, the elegant Via Condotti, and the great Palazzo Borghese, one of Rome’s most lavish princely dwellings.

Duration: 29 min

10: At the Bend in the Tiber

The Piazza Montecitorio comprises the political heart of Rome. Begin with the Palace of Montecitorio, a Bernini masterpiece now housing the Italian parliament. Marvel at the storied Palazzo Chigi, the imposing Temple to Hadrian, and the sublime interior of the church of Sant’Ignazio, and the Solarium Augusti, a gigantic sundial.

Duration: 30 min

11: The Pantheon to Campo dei Fiori

Immerse yourself in the lore of the iconic Pantheon, the resting place of Raphael and other celebrated Italians. Explore architectural treasures including splendorous Gothic and Renaissance churches en route to the teeming Piazza Navona, center of Roman social life. Also visit the Palazzo della Cancelleria, the finest early Renaissance palace in Rome.

Duration: 31 min

12: Piazza Farnese to the Ara Pacis

Begin at the Piazza Farnese, one of Rome’s most majestic squares, and visit its great Renaissance palace. Then take in the Palazzo Spada, with its ingenious Borromini interior, and discover one of Rome’s greatest jewels, the Villa Farnesina. Conclude with two hugely important ancient sites, the Mausoleum of Augustus and the Ara Pacis.

Duration: 30 min

13: Piazza del Popolo to San Clemente

Here, admire the lovely church of Santa Maria del Popolo, with its magnificent frescoes, and the lovely Villa Museo Borghese, boasting masterworks of Bernini, Titian, Raphael, and Caravaggio. Linger at the fabulous papal basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, the Scala Santa (Holy Stairs), and the extraordinary three-level church of San Clemente.

Duration: 29 min

14: The Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica

Learn the history of the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace, one of the most important repositories of art in the Western world, and savor treasures including the superlative Rooms of Raphael and Michelangelo’s Sistine Ceiling. Conclude your Roman tour at the Renaissance Basilica of Saint Peter, the world’s largest church and the seat of Roman Catholicism.

Duration: 30 min

15: Orvieto, Siena, and San Gimignano

En route to Florence, discover three idyllic Italian towns. First visit Orvieto, with its glorious cathedral, vast Palace of the Popes, and intact medieval quarter. Continue to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Siena, an astonishing medieval time capsule, and the exquisite San Gimignano, known for its dramatic towers and historic churches housing sublime frescoes.

Duration: 30 min

16: Florence: Politics in Art and Architecture

Begin your tour of Florence by delving into the history of the feudal clans and merchant class that built the city. Visit the Uffizi, another of the world’s greatest repositories of art; the imposing Palazzo Vecchio, with its dramatic Medici history; and the Orsanmichele, a building central to the medieval Florentine economy.

Duration: 31 min

17: From the Piazza del Duomo to San Marco

Walk to the magical Piazza del Duomo, which encompasses all of Florence’s rich history. Admire the vast Duomo (cathedral), with its world-famous dome, one of the wonders of the Renaissance. Marvel at the Baptistery’s extraordinary doors, Ghiberti’s masterpiece, before exploring the Palazzo Medici-Riccardi, home to treasures including the superb Medici Chapel.

Duration: 31 min

18: Santa Croce and the Pazzi Chapel

Begin here at Florence’s Accademia, home to Michelangelo’s David, before visiting other superlative Florentine museums. In particular, explore the magnificent preaching church of Santa Croce, containing a stunning spectrum of artistic riches, including works of Donatello, Giotto, and della Robbia. Finish at the Pazzi Chapel, a masterwork of architectural geometry.

Duration: 30 min

19: En Route to the Ponte Vecchio

Travel the streets of Florence, beginning with the Via del Proconsolo, one of the city’s most historic thoroughfares. Enjoy architectural and historical treasures such as the Abbey of Florence, Dante’s house, the fascinating Museum of the Old Florentine House, and the gorgeous Palazzo Bartolini-Salimbeni, before reaching the romantic Ponte Vecchio.

Duration: 30 min

20: The Pitti Palace

Learn the colorful history of the Palazzo Pitti, which now contains several extraordinary museums. Focus on the renowned Palatine Gallery, a veritable treasury of Western culture featuring Flemish and Italian masterpieces of painting. Then savor the delights of the Boboli Gardens, a vision of a Renaissance and Baroque paradise.

Duration: 30 min

21: The Oltrarno

Hear the romantic story of the house of Bianca Cappello, a tale of Renaissance intrigue. Then explore the great basilica of Santa Maria del Santo Spirito, with its dazzling altar canopy and 38 family chapels. Also enjoy the decoration of the nearby Brancacci Chapel, one of the most important examples of Renaissance painting.

Duration: 30 min

22: Walking to Santa Maria Novella

Begin at the beautiful Ponte Santa Trinita bridge, dating from the 16th century, and grasp its political and civic symbolism. Then walk the fashionable Via Tornabuoni to the vast Dominican complex of Santa Maria Novella. Explore the complex’s great preaching church, with artistic treasures including the Tornabuoni Chapel, one of Florence’s great masterpieces.

Duration: 29 min

23: From Santa Maria Novella to San Lorenzo

Continuing at Santa Maria Novella, view the superlative frescoes of the Green Cloister and the Spanish Chapel. Visit Europe’s oldest operating pharmacy, founded in the 12th century, followed by the Medici Fortezza da Basso fortress, en route to the Basilica of San Lorenzo, whose Old Sacristy is a masterwork of Brunelleschi’s geometric design.

Duration: 30 min

24: The Medici Legacy

Now discover Michelangelo’s New Sacristy, burial place of Medici nobles and a brilliant integration of sculpture and architecture. From there, take in the spectacular Chapel of the Princes, resting place of the Medici monarchs; view the phenomenal Laurentian Library, pride of the Medici clan; and learn the intriguing history of Florence’s old markets.

Duration: 30 min

25: The Ognissanti, Palaces, Parks, and Villas

Travel the Borgo Ognissanti, an important historic entry into Florence. Admire elegant palaces on the way to the church and monastery of Ognissanti, with their splendid frescoed Vespucci Chapel, Sacristy, and refectory. Enjoy the lush beauties of the Cascine Park and the Bardini Gardens, and visit the Jewel Villa, where Galileo lived.

Duration: 30 min

26: Romantic Views: San Miniato and Fiesole

Here, visit one of Italy’s most beautiful Romanesque churches, San Miniato al Monte, highlighting the collective artistic genius of the Chapel of the Cardinal of Portugal. Then travel to the hillside town of Fiesole, with its beautiful Villa Medici, Romanesque cathedral, and spectacular views over the city of Florence below.

Duration: 30 min

27: Arezzo, Perugia, and Assisi

On a leisurely route to Venice, stop at three romantic hill towns of Tuscany and Umbria. Begin with Arezzo, with its picturesque Piazza Grande and glorious, art-laden churches. Then discover the magnificent guildhalls, Palace of the Priors, and papal fortress of Perugia, and Assisi’s Temple of Minerva and sublime Church of St. Francis.

Duration: 30 min

28: Venice: The Center of Power

As an introduction to Venice, contemplate the political and commercial history that gave rise to one of the world’s most phenomenally beautiful cities. Then learn about the Molo, Venice’s quayside entry point; the Doge’s Palace, a brilliant masterpiece of Gothic architecture; and the Basilica di San Marco, a triumphal monument to Venetian glory.

Duration: 31 min

29: The Drawing Room of Europe: Piazza San Marco

On the magical Piazza San Marco, take account of the Renaissance Procuratie Nuove, housing Venice’s Procurators (municipal officials), and Napoleon’s grand neoclassical palace. Discover the remarkable clock tower, with its two beautiful and ingenious public timepieces. View artistic treasures adorning the exterior of the Basilica, and learn about Venice’s historic cisterns and wells.

Duration: 30 min

30: The Basilica of San Marco

The interior of this great basilica is one of almost hypnotic magnificence. Enter through the atrium, and admire the symbolic floor mosaics and the gilded mosaics of the vaults, among the greatest anywhere in the world. Study the church’s sublime decoration, highlighting the sacristy doors, the Golden Altarpiece, and the Cappella dei Mascoli.

Duration: 28 min

31: The Ducal Palace

Begin your visit to the palace at the monumental Staircase of the Giants within the regal palace courtyard. Enter the rooms of state by the Golden Staircase, leading to the elegant ducal apartments. Learn about the lifestyle and role of the Doge, as you view majestic rooms glorifying Venetian power and myth.

Duration: 30 min

32: Venetian Civilization

Enter the palace’s Hall of the Great Council, called the most dramatic room in Europe, and learn about the Venetian republic’s governing body of patrician representatives. Visit the palace prisons and the famous Bridge of Sighs en route to the Correr Museum of Venetian Civilization, which celebrates the republic’s institutions, customs, arts, and trades.

Duration: 29 min

33: Along the Giudecca and Grand Canals

On the glorious Venetian waterways, take a vaporetto to view Palladio’s churches and the resplendent Santa Maria della Salute, which dominates the waterfront. Stop at fabulous palace museums along the Grand Canal, such as the great Galleria Accademia and the Casa Rezzonico, a stunning evocation of 18th-century Venetian life.

Duration: 29 min

34: The Upper Grand Canal and San Marco on Foot

Among further riches of the Grand Canal, visit sumptuous waterside palaces, the former Jewish ghetto, and view the sweep of historic commercial buildings from Venice’s maritime past. Then explore the San Marco district, featuring magnificent Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, and learn about the lore of the Venetian gondola.

Duration: 30 min

35: The Rialto and Sestiere San Polo

Begin at the enchanting Rialto bridge, a defining landmark of Venice. From there, walk the San Polo district, a historic mercantile quarter, and visit streets and edifices recalling Venetian trading. Finish at two extraordinary treasure houses of art: the Frari, a great Franciscan church, and the glorious Scuola Grande di San Rocco.

Duration: 29 min

36: Sestiere Castello and the Outer Islands

Within the treasure-laden Castello district, discover one of history’s greatest equestrian statues, the astonishing ducal tombs of the church of San Zanipolo, and a jewel-box church where wedding parties arrive and depart by gondola. Finally, take a vaporetto to picturesque islands in the lagoon, home to the traditional crafts of glass-making and lace-making.

Duration: 37 min