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Our Picture Gallery (Click on each picture for a larger version.) |
Bologna
After a busy month in Berlin, we made
our way south to Italy in search of spring. Sunny Bologna did not disappoint
us. In addition to the student accommodations and the classroom, the
pictures below are but a few of the many sights viewed during our expertly
guided city tour. |
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Albergo Pallone |
Crossing the Alps |
Our classroom |
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Bologna's famous porticos |
Piazza Maggiore
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With our guide, Anna |
The "unfinished" San Petronius |
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The San Luca asscent |
Neptune's Fountain |
The San Luca view of Bologna |
Under the Tuscan skies...a day in Florence
After our first week in Bologna, on
Friday, April 7th, we travelled west for a day in Renaissance Florence.
The weather was sunny, crisp, cool and perfect in every way. The drive
through the mountains of Emilia-Romagna and the Tuscan hills was a peaceful
spring prelude to the hustle and bustle of Florence. We had just enough
time to be introduced to the marvels of the Uffizi Gallery, with its
abundance of world-class art; to the cathedral, baptistry and campanile;
and both the Palazzo Vecchio and the Ponte Vecchio. Some even managed
to take in a visit to the Boboli Gardens and the Accademia, where they
were able to see Michelangelo's David. |
Florence Cathedral |
Uffizi Gallery |
Palazzo Vecchio |
Cathedral Baptistry |
Ponte Vecchio |
A Visit to Ravenna
Just a brief coach ride from Bologna,
lies the fascinating city of Ravenna with its pristine Byzantine buildings
and remarkable mosiacs. In this historic location, Ceasar was supposed
to have said "the die is cast" when he "crossed the Rubicon."
We spent the day visiting numerous 4th and 5th century sites associated
with the eastward movement of the Roman Empire, the spread of early
Christianity and the rule of the Ostrogothic kings. Additional connections
to Charlemagne and even Dante (his burial place) made this a invaluable
place to "hold class." Here are some samples of our memorable
moments. |
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A Byzantine Break |
Dante's Monument |
Dante's Tomb
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Mausoleum of Galla Placidia: Interior mosaics |
Mausoleum of Galla Placidia |
Mausoleum of Galla Placidia: The Good Shepherd |
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Justinian and his Retinue |
Basilica of San Vitale |
Empress Theodora and her Court |
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San Vitale mosaic: Abraham and Isaac
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