With an early morning train and a bus transfer, our group finally made it into Siena! As soon as we arrived, we were immediately struck by the iconic ‘burnt Siena’ buildings, this is actually where the color gets its name. Reddish-brown clay found in the region was heated, or ‘burnt,’ to create a deeper, richer red-brown pigment known today as...
Rome was already awake, even if we weren’t after yesterday. We began by passing the Circus Maximus, located right near where we were staying. Once the largest stadium in ancient Rome, it was primarily used for chariot races and public games. Today, it’s a wide open space rather than a preserved structure, where people can walk freely. During our stay,...
Rise and shine Maximus! Well not quite yet. After some early morning coffee, our group hopped on a train and headed out to Vatican City, ready for a full day of exploring. We began in the museum, which is laid out in a timeline-style journey through history. The early rooms displayed early rooms felt familiar with Roman and pre-Roman artifacts...
For our second class trip, we made our way to Rome! Or at least, that’s where the road took us. Our group stayed at the Church of St. Gregory al Celio, located right next to the Circus Maximus. It was a charming spot with several exterior courtyards and was conveniently situated near train and bus stations, making public transportation easily...
We were finally able to go on our first class trip for Social, Culture, and Art History of Italy with Joanna and Wladyslaw. First up was Pisa, a simple bus to Pontedera, followed by a quick train transfer. Originally an Etruscan settlement, Pisa later became a Roman colony and developed into a significant port because of its location near the...
With school field trips scheduled for the second half of the semester, our class embraced the freedom of the first half by setting out to explore more of Italy. Studying architecture in Volterra is an education in itself, but stepping beyond the city walls has allowed us to experience the richness, diversity, and regional character that define Italian culture. From...
This semester, we have truly been eating better than ever before. Tuscany is known for its hearty plates, rich flavors, and simple ingredients prepared with care, and we have been lucky enough to experience that every single day. Our meal plan is hosted at Le Cantine del Palazzo Viti, owned and operated by Chef Massimo and Chief Karla, along with...
Alabaster is a long-standing traditional art form native to the Tuscan region, and it is especially rooted in Volterra. Each year, we as students get the opportunity to work with this medium and contribute to the continuation of this historic craft. Although alabaster carving is considered a dying art form, it is still celebrated for its sheer-like quality and versatility....
On another day trip to Florence, the group decided to take a break on endless walking and lean further into the culture by enrolling in an authentic Tuscan cooking class. A chance to rejuvenate our energy to explore the city even more! The class was hosted by De’Bardi Ristorante, located on the south side of the Arno River, just to...
Now that the initial chaos has settled, our group is officially starting to feel at home in Volterra with classes officially underway. The schedule is well balanced, leaving us time to explore the city while also learning about its history, culture, and architecture. It’s a kind of structure that makes every walk feel like part of the lesson. Our very...