Rome Day 1
The last trip as part of the program was to Rome. This was a trip that everyone was especially excited for because of its many famous attractions. The first day was packed with visits including the Trevi fountain, Chiesa del Gesù, Chiesa di Sant’ Ignazio di Loyola, the Pantheon, and a stop at the Chiostro del Bramante for coffee. The first day was packed with interesting stops and full of new information for the students.
On the day of arrival, students first explored two churches with marvelous ceiling frescoes. The Chiesa del Gesù and the Sant’ Ignazio di Loyola. Both churches are well known for the beautiful frescoes on their ceiling and include mirrors to allow for guests to take pictures with the ceiling. The fresco in the Chiesa del Gesù “Triumph of the Name of Jesus,” was painted by Giovanni Battista Gaulli and createsthe appearance of figures and architecture extending beyond the ceiling. In the Sant’ Ignazio di Loyola the ceiling fresco by Andrea Pozzo, titled “The Apotheosis of St. Ignatius,” is famous for its techniques to create an illusion of open sky and ascending figures, making the ceiling appear much higher and more expansive than it is. The church also lacks a real dome, so a dome was painted onto the ceiling to create a 3D effect when standing in a specific location.
After the views of the ceiling, the students kept their heads up to study the dome of the Pantheon. The Pantheon was originally designed during ancient Rome as a temple for the Gods. The dome is a marvel of architecture, with its oculus, a circular opening that is the only source of natural light in the interior.
After spending the day exploring Rome, the students were getting tired. Professor Wladyck led the students to a beautiful cafe inside the Chiostro del Bramante. Inside was a room decorated with colorful wallpaper for guests to sit and enjoy their coffee. The cafe was a great pick-me-up from its delicious coffee.
The coffee was perfect before everyone made their way to the Trevi Fountain. As one of the most famous fountains in the world and a must see in Rome, the students spent quite a bit of time admiring its design and taking photos. Its Baroque style includes the central figure of the fountain Oceanus, the god of all water, standing in a large niche. The statues in the fountain represent a grandeur and drama that lend to the Baroque style. The students participated in the famous coin toss tradition. Visitors toss a coin into the fountain over their left shoulder with their right hand, ensuring a return to Rome.
