Italian Renaissance – Intensive Learning @ MFS

Our Last Day in Florence

March 28, 2015March 28, 2015Blog Editor

We started off our day by visiting the San Miniato al Monte church outside of the main city of Florence. Considered one of the Florence’s most beautiful churches, it offered more insight into Renaissance architecture. We saw pillars that were made of faux marble and paint that was made to look like marble to...

Duomo Day!

March 26, 2015March 26, 2015Blog Editor

Today was amazing! First we went to the Santa Maria Novella, one of the most extravagant and tasteful churches that we have seen. Inside, there was a very unique crucifix that hung in the middle of the church rather than over the altar. There were also checkered borders around the pillars which made it...

Medici are Everywhere!

March 25, 2015March 25, 2015Blog Editor

Today in Florence, we went to San Lorenzo, the parish of the Medicis, the Medici Riccardi Palace,the Medici’s former home, and the Palazzo Vecchio, the former government offices of the Medicis. San Lorenzo was the Medici’s parish church, and although it appears rather ordinary from the outside, it was strikingly elegant on the inside. We...

Siena and San Gimignano

March 23, 2015March 23, 2015Blog Editor

Today we had a great experience, traveling to cities other than Florence, where we are staying. We traveled by bus and explored Siena and San Gimignano. In Siena we visited the (church) where St.Catherine went and prayed. As a peacemaker, she contributed much to the city and to the world. After her death her...

The Four Davids

March 23, 2015March 23, 2015Blog Editor

Ciao, Bon Giorno! Today, we visited the Uffizi Museum and saw several interesting paintings. We especially enjoyed Filippo Lippi’s Madonna and Child, Botticelli’s Adoration of the Magi, and also his Birth of Venus. At the Uffizi we examined different intricate art techniques such as painting transparent clothing. We then went to the Galleria d’Accademia...

Perche Non?

March 22, 2015March 22, 2015Blog Editor

We started our second day in Florence with a tour of the Bargello Museum, which houses many beautiful sculptures by artists, including Donatello and Michelangelo. We then split up into small groups for lunch where some of us ate at a cafe overlooking Florence and had a great view of the Duomo. After lunch...

We have arrived in Florence

March 20, 2015March 20, 2015Blog Editor

After a long and uneventful flight and a long and beautiful drive from Rome to Florence, we arrived at our hotel tired and hungry. But look at us now: we’ve just had lunch at a little restaurant on the Piazza de Santa Croce. The sun shone all day; some of us wore shorts! We...

4 Days, But Who’s Counting?

March 17, 2015March 17, 2015Blog Editor

For intrepid travelers: It looks like we WILL be climbing the Duomo on Friday! This is an optional activity but should be a great way to see an overview of the city we will be exploring!...

Ciao!

March 13, 2015March 14, 2015Blog Editor

Looking forward to a great trip! Remember to pack layers, good walking shoes, passport, a positive attitude, and an open mind to learning. We ‘re about to visit an amazing city!...