Travelbound

The centre of the Roman Catholic Church, one of the most important religious institutions and influences for the past 2,000 years. Students can understand how the Vatican gained its position and explore its contemporary importance and meaning.

Although this site was built for Roman Gods, it has evolved to become a Catholic Church. Students can explore processes of development and change in religious practices over time.

According to Roman historians, it was the battle of the Milvian Bridge (which this arch commemorates) that saw the Emperor Constantine turn to Christianity. It therefore provides students with a chance to explore the development of Christianity in connection with the Roman Empire.

A beautiful Renaissance church that allows students to see the importance and power of Catholicism in the middle ages, not only politically but in the beliefs of the people for whom the Church was built. Students can compare this with the modern-day practice of Catholicism.

In partnership with local language centres, staffed by native speakers, students can be taught Italian and have the opportunity to ask any niggling questions.

Students can put their knowledge of Italian to the test as they negotiate the shops and cafés that fill the bustling streets of this quarter of Rome.

An opportunity to develop students' listening skills, along with giving them an appreciation of the culture, by seeing a play at one of Rome's many theatres.

This is the best-known chapel in the Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the Pope in the Vatican City. Its fame rests on its architecture and on its decoration which has been frescoed throughout by the greatest Renaissance artists including Michelangelo, Raphael, and Botticelli. An ideal place to spend a day marveling at the beauty and great opulence attached to Religious Italy.

This gallery has many fine examples of Neoclassical and Romantic paintings and sculptures. Students will be able to follow the dramatic change from the glories of the Renaissance and ancient Rome to contemporary pieces of artwork by artists including: Balla, Boccioni, Giorgio de Chirico, Fattori, Modigliani and Morandi.

The Galleria Borghese can be found within the Villa Borghese Pinciana, renowned for its gardens. A substantial part of the Borghese collection of paintings, sculptures and antiquities come from the 1st-3rd centuries AD including classical and neo-classical sculptures such as the Venus Victrix and a beautiful ceiling fresco by the Sicilian artist Mariano Rossi

Take your time to take in Saint Peter's Basilica, the awesome array of sculptures and Rome's epicentre for people watching. Whether you're sketching, pontificating or just having a rest this huge space in the midst of Italy's capital city is an ideal point to reflect upon your trip.

The existing designs of this magnificent piazza were created by Michelangelo at the height of his fame. Although little was actually completed in his lifetime work continued faithfully and was eventually finished in the 17^th Century. This piazza provides a great example of how an artist can continue to inspire and influence contemporary peers.