It’s hard to believe how quickly the weeks are flying by here in Volterra. Between class projects and day trips, we’ve been soaking in as much as we can. Siena was an amazing experience, and seeing these historic spaces in person reminded us why we’re passionate about architecture in the first place. I have to say, Siena’s Cathedral of Santa...
Hey, Mr. Pisano! I think your tower is leaning! On May 16, our first class field trip of the program took us to Pisa, and it turned out to be a day full of surprises. For this trip, we didn’t just admire the tower from a textbook; we actually got to explore the entire architectural complex up close. This was...
On May 3rd, 2025, after a long journey, all of us SACD students finally arrived in Volterra! Located in the Tuscany region of Italy, Volterra (originally known as Velathri to the Etruscans) is a small walled hilltop town that dates back to before the 8th century BC. Staying in Volterra while learning about how it evolved over time has already...
As part of the curriculum of the Volterra-Detroit Study abroad program, students spent every Thursday sketching throughout the city. This class gave students the opportunity to explore the city and pay attention to the architectural details of Volterra. Each class focused on a different aspect of the city and a different detail in architecture. After each class, students were given...
Their final day in Rome began at the Roman Forum, with the students spending the day touring the ancient city. For the grand finale of the tour, the Colosseum. This trip was by far a favorite for many of the students and many plan to return in the future. On the last day of the trip to Rome, the tour...
The second day was spent in the Vatican. First in the Vatican Museum, then the Sistine Chapel, and afterwards in St. Peters Basilica itself. The final stop of the day was at the Spanish steps, enjoying the view from the top. The day in Rome was hot and while the heat was making it more difficult to stay energized, everyone...
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...
The trip to Florence was the first overnight trip for the students. From June 6th to the 7th, the Volterra-Detroit group explored the city of Florence with Professor Wladyk. The first day was packed with activities including visiting the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence, Opera del Duomo Museum, and climbing the Bell Tower. The second day was spent inside...
The second pre-planned trip for the Volterra-Detroit students was to Siena. A medieval city in Tuscany that is known for its famous Palio run in its central piazza Il Campo. The Palio run is a horse race around the piazza that happens twice every summer. The trip to Siena was led by the students, who each chose a historical monument...
As part of the Italy study abroad trip, students participate in pre-planned trips to a few famous and historical cities throughout Italy. The first trip is in Pisa, giving students a chance to explore the historical city and experience the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. The trip included tickets into the Pisa Baptistry and Cathedral, as well as time to...