Subject: So. Studies/Sciences: Geography/Cultures

Exploring the World Series: Europe

Italy 1: Florence, Milan and Rome

The culture, landmarks, and people of three of Italy's most beautiful cities highlight this tour of Italy. The first stop is Florence in the heart of Tuscany, home of the Renaissance and Michelangelo, where the Duomo symbolizes the city itself and cathedrals are on almost every piazza. Visitors can stroll the open-air markets filled with crafts by local artisans, learn about making silver items, and see how exquisite silk fabric is made from ancient looms. A highlight of the Florence tour is a visit to Ponte Santa Trinita, or Trinity Bridge, a stone elliptic arch bridge spanning the Arno River. Built during the Renaissance, the bridge was destroyed during WWII but reconstructed from its original stones in 1958. The next stop is the Lombardy city of Milan, fashion capital of the world. A landmark of the city is the Milan Cathedral, a Gothic structure that took five centuries to complete and now dominates the central square. From the cathedral we next visit La Scala, recognized around the world as a leading theater for opera and ballet performances, before shopping at the world's first mall, the Galleria. With its 19th century arched glass and cast iron roof, the design of the Galleria is as fascinating as the shopping within it. The last stop is Rome, the capital of Italy and a major historical and art center for more than a 2,500 years. From the sites of the Roman Empire, such as the Colosseum, to the Renaissance art of Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel, Rome is a city not to be missed! In these three cities we glimpse the magnificent art, the delicious food, and the ancient history of this beautiful land. 2010/2E IJSCA 30 min.
Also See: Italy: Florence - Old Bridges, New Friends; Italy: The Faces of Italy; Rome