6 – 11 September 2012
Trento and Verona
Description
The study tour focuses on the artistic heritage of two cities in Northern Italy. Verona is known for its important Roman remains such as the Arena, the theatre and city gates. Its splendid medieval art and architecture reflects the prosperity it enjoyed as a commune and under the rule of the della Scala family. We shall visit their 14th century stronghold, Castelvecchio, with its art collections and their magnificent tombs. These are situated next to the city’s most impressive squares, Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza dei Signori, and public palaces . Among the churches we shall pay particular attention to the cathedral, the Romanesque church of San Zeno which still houses Mantegna’s triptych, and the church of Sant’ Anastasia with frescoes by Pisanello.
North of Verona lies Trento, capital of the Trentino region. The city boasts masterpieces of art and architecture which reflect its links with both the rest of Italy and Northern Europe. The cathedral, where the decrees of the Council of Trent where pronounced , is a magnificent example of early Christian architecture; the nearby Palazzo del Pretorio houses a rich art collection. The Castle of Buonconsiglio, sumptuous residence of the prince-bishops from the 13th century onwards, combines the strength of the medieval fortress and the refinements of the Renaissance palace. Among the murals decorating various sections of the castle is the Cycle of the Months, masterpiece of late medieval secular painting. The Underground Archaeological Space will allow us a glimpse into the Roman origins of the city.
Other Details
Accommodation
2 nights at Hotel Buonconsiglio**** in Trento and 3 nights at the Hotel Italia*** in Verona. Bed and Breakfast tariff in twin-share room with private facilities.
Course Cost
£645 inclusive of tuition, airport transfers (airport transfers are only available for the Siragusa Tours Ltd nominated flight), transfer from Trento to Verona; accommodation and breakfast.
Single Room Supplement
£135
Travel Insurance
Once tour is viable and if we have booked a flight for you through Travelpack, you can call Larraine on 08444 930465 for an immediate quote (unless you already have insurance)
Flight
Ca. £190 scheduled flight to Verona. Note that this is an estimate (if it is less you play less), please see Booking Conditions for more information concerning nominated flights.
Local Transport
All transfers by coach
Group Size
16
Tutor
Dalila Castelijn has a degree in foreign languages and literature from the University of Trieste, Italy and BA in history of art and architecture from Birkbeck College, London. She specializes in art and architecture of the Renaissance in Europe and has taught for the OU and the WEA. Courses taught for the OU include A216, A354 , A424 and, currently, AA315. She has led art study tours to Italy with the School of Continuing Education, Reading University.
Related OU Courses
General Interest/AA315/Classics
Itinerary / Study Programme
Day 1, Thursday, 6 September 2012
Arrival and transfer to Trento
Day 2, Friday, 7 September 2012
Visit to Castle of Buonconsiglio, its fresco cycles and its art treasures; the Renaissance Church of Santa Maria Maggiore
Day 3, Saturday, 8 September 2012
Visit to the medieval Duomo and the Palazzo del Pretorio. Travel to Verona via Rovereto to visit the MART (collection of Futurist and other 20th century Italian artists)
Day 4, Sunday, 9 September 2012
Exploration of the centre of Verona examining the Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza dei Signori , Palazzo della Ragione and other civic buildings; the Arche Scaligere (tombs of the Scala rulers). The afternoon will be dedicated to the Duomo and the Church of Sant’ Anastasia with Pisanello’s splendid fresco.
Day 5, Monday, 10 September 2012
Visit to Castelvecchio, the residence of the Scala family and its art collections; we shall also visit the Romanesque church of San Zeno which houses both Mantegna’s famous altarpiece and Altichiero’s frescoes.
Day 6, Tuesday, 11 September 2012
Roman Verona with a visit to the Theatre and the Arena. Church of San Zeno. Departure.
This itinerary and study programme is provisional and may be subject to change in response to local conditions