ACE Class Report – Geography – Italian Cities.
Begin: 3/10/2024
Finish: 6/3/2024
Title: Geography – Italian Cities.
Instructor: Rick Steves
Why I choose to take this class:
To learn more about other cultures in Europe and learn about the Roman civilization and its influence on the worlds political system.
What I learned from this class:
Italy is a country in Southern Europe, It is know for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauties. Its cities have spectacular churches and large Central Plazas. Their museums contain some of the world’s best known art. Th countryside has warm sandy beaches; high glacier topped mountain peaks: and rolling hills covered with green fields and vineyards.
Italy occupies a boot shaped peninsula that extends into the Mediterranean Sea from Southern Europe. The country also include two large islands; Sicily and Sardinia. Two independent countries lie within Italy’s border: the tiny Republic of San Marcos, in North -Central Italy and Vatican City located in the city of Rome.
Italy’s landscape is dominated by two mountain ranges: The Alps and the Apennines. The Alps tower across the Northern most part of Italy. The Apennines form a backbone that runs nearly the entire length of the Peninsula.
Italy boast several world famous cities. Rome, the capital and the largest city of Italy, was the center of the Roman Empire 2000 years ago. Florence was the home of many artist of the Renaissance, a period of great achievements in the arts. Venice, with its intricate canal system, attracts tourists from all over the world.
Art:
Italy has made important contributions to Arts. The countries greatest artistic achievements came during the Renaissance from 1300 – 1600. Italy produced some of the greatest painters, sculptors and architect in art history. They dominated the Baroque art movement from 1600 – 1700.
Some Notable Architectures:
Old St Peters Church, St Peters Basilica in Rome, Basilica of St Mark in Venice.
Painting and sculpture:
Florence became the center of early Renaissance art. Leonardo Da Vinci his portrait of Mona Lisa and his religious scene ‘ The Last Supper”. The later Renaissance was dominated by Raphael and Michelangelo – who helped design St Peters Basilica. Raphael painted balanced harmonious that express a calm, noble way of life. Michelangelo work includes the famous statue of Moses and Davis. The Fountain of Four Rivers by Bernini.
Beautiful Landmark in Italy include the Colosseum in Rome, St Peters Basilica in Rome, St Marks Basilica in Venice, the Pitti Palace, Uffizi Palace in Florence. The National Archeological Museum in Caligari, Naples and Palermo contain artifacts from the earliest history of Italy.
Rome: Lies on both banks of the Tiber rivers. The Italian Presidential Palace and some of Rome’s Government building stand on Quirinal Hill. This hill has famous Art Museums, the city council building and a square designed by Michelangelo. The heart of Rome is the Piassa Colona (Colona Square). Rome’s main street – The Via Del Corso, Vatican City, the administrative and spiritual center of the Roman Catholic church, lies in the Northwestern Rome. Many of the finest paintings and statues are displayed in the Vatican Palace. They include masterpieces by Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael. Some of Michelangelo’s greatest paintings decorate the ceiling and front wall of the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel. Saint Peter’s Basilica is Vatican City is Europe’s largest Christian church. the fountain of Neptune is Rome Piazza Navona Square. The Colosseum is one of the chief landmark of Rome. In this huge amphitheater. The most splendid remains of baths are those of Caracalla. The Pantheon was a temple in honor of all the gods.
Venice:
A lagoon separates the islands of Venice from the mainland. A roadway over the lagoon carries traffic between the mainland an the two Island. More than 150 canals take the place of streets on all the islands of Venice. Venice chief shopping runs from the Rialto Bridge to Saint Mark’s square. Priceless artwork are seen in buildings through out Venice.
Florence: Birthplace of the Renaissance from 1300 – 1600, some of the greatest painters, sculptors and writers lived and worked inn Florence. Such great artists: Leonardo Da Vinci, Giotto and Michelangelo produced many splendid paintings. Galileo did his work in Florence. Michelangelo’s famous marble status ‘ David ‘ as a symbol of the city’s artistic spirit. The gates of Paradise stand at the East entrance of The Baptistery in Florence, in the Cathedral of Florence called the Duomo.
Milan: It is the second largest city in Italy. The masterpieces of Italian painting hang in the Brera Art Gallery, Leonardo Da Vinci ‘ Last Supper” is on the walls of Saint Maria Delle Grazie.
How will this class contribute to my success upon release:
Exposure to foreign culture and places broadens my perspective of other culture. It improves my analytical and critical thinking skills. I will know how to work with people of different background harmoniously. People skills gained from this class will be taught to other communities which I plan to volunteer my services through teaching, tutoring and mentoring.
