Reminiscing the Glory of the Renaissance in Italy

Julius — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 10:32:52 +0000

There must be a reason why names like Leondardo Da Vinci, Donatello, Massocio, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Giotto flourished during Italian Renaissance. It must be the beauty of the architecture of Italy or it must the idyllic climate during the months of May until October. In any case, Italy has gained fame because of its master artists and the fascinating architecture created during the Renaissance.

Neonian Baptistery, Ravenna, Italy by Paul Baker

Individual or Packaged Tour: Your Choice

The choice of exploring art museums in Italy on your own or joining a group is left unto the choice of the traveler. However, it is more educational if you will travel with a licensed expert tour guide. At times, gazing upon these masterpieces is enough to trigger dozens of questions on your mind, which can easily be answered by these learned tour guides of the region. They have studied these artworks at depth and they are very much familiar with its history and symbolism.

Top Italy Art Tours from the Experts

These are some of the art tours you would definitely appreciate and enjoy during your stay in Italy.

Ravenna Mosaics

The area became the seat of power during the Roman Empire in the 5^th Century and houses an impressive collection of Christian mosaics. It is one of the many UNESCO World Heritage Site in the region, which includes the Neonian Baptistery, Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Arian Baptistery, Church of San Vitale, Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe, and Bassilica of Sant’ Apollinare Nuovo that are all constructed during the 5^th and 6^th century. Spending Euros on your tour guide will not be waste because he or she will be of great help to explain the Christian iconography highlighting a wonderful blend of Graeco-Roman tradition in Italy.

Uffizi Gallery

After indulging yourself at the Ravenna Mosaics, you will be pleased to continue your tour in Florence at the Uffizi Gallery. It may be hard to buy tickets in this museum because of the extreme popularity of the place thanks to works of Michelangelo, Piero della Francesca, Raphael, Giotto, Caravaggio, and Botticelli. Savor each moment you are allowed to gaze at these wonderful work of arts, which is open to the public Tuesdays until Sundays from 8:15 am until 6:50 in the evening. However, it will not be accessible during holidays like New Year, Christmas, and May 1. To guarantee tickets for entrance, make early online reservations or book a tour package with reliable sites for a more convenient art appreciation tour in Italy.

St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome, Italy / Photo by admin

Architecture and Monuments

The architecture of the basilicas, cathedrals, and other monuments in itself are considered remnants of the glorious history left by the Italian Renaissance. You are free to visit the Vatican and gaze at the artistry hosted by these living museum. You will be in awe as you enter St. Peter’s Basilica, which was constructed by prominent artists like Michelangelo, the designer of the enormous dome and Carlo Maderno, the person responsible for the magnificent façade of the cathedral. Unfortunately, almost all tickets for entrance to the museum has been reserved, which means the only way to see it is through licensed tour agencies operating in Italy.

There is no argument with a statement that tour of Italy is an expensive one. However, for lovers of the art, culture, and tradition. It is a price worth spending because the experience is priceless.

About the Author:

Shaiya Ong is a freelance writer for Rome Airport, a friendly guide for those wishing to save on their travel experience in Italy.

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Ravenna – the capital city of the Western Roman Empire from 402 till 476, Italy

Julius — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 11:34:49 +0000

Back during the 5th century, the ancient city of Ravenna was made the capital of what has become known as the West Roman Empire. Today, the city is home to 8 major UNESCO heritage sites that date back to the 5th century. Long before it existed as a city, the area where Ravenna sits today was nothing more than a lagoon with canals spreading throughout the region. The lagoon and canals were filled in and city of Ravenna was soon realized.

Piazza del Popolo, Ravenna, Italy by freshcreator

The most popular attraction in the city is the Mausoleo di Galla Placidia which is the resting place of Emperor Theodosius I’s daughter, Aelia Galla Placidia. The mosaics found within the mausoleum date back to the 5th century and today are considered some of the most well-preserved in the world.

Back when the city was first being developed, by Bishop Ursus was built a mammoth basilica in Ravenna. Most of the basilica was destroyed back in 1734 and the only part that remains today is the Battistero degli Ortodossi. You will also find nearby, the Battistero degli Ariani which has an amazing mosaic of the baptism of Christ.

There are many other popular structures in Ravenna that have been built over the centuries. While not dating back to the 5th century, many of these sites have none the less been well preserved over the years. There is the ancient Palatine church of Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo which features mosaics that depicts both Christian and Arian beliefs. The Basilica di San Vitale was built back in the 6th century which is also another very popular attraction in Ravenna.

You will also find the Dante Museum in Ravenna which is dedicated to the world renowned author, Dante Alighieri. Known for having been banished from Florence because of authoring the Divine Comedy, Dante spent the remainder of his life in Ravenna where he died in 1789.

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