ITALY This tour will be led by Andrew Wilson, BA, BD, FSAScot, a specialist in archaeology and ancient history. Andrew studied archaeology and theology before working overseas as an archaeologist with a particular interest in Roman frontier systems and Byzantine mosaics. He has led many tours for ACE in the GrecoRoman world, and is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and the Classical Association of Scotland. Andrew is also a member of the Hadrianic Society.
Early Christian & Medieval Rome
Santa Prassede
• Uncover the various historical layers of Rome’s churches and basilicas while exploring the development of early Christian art in Rome • Soak up the Vatican’s awe-inspiring atmosphere, visiting St Peter’s Basilica and examining the papal tombs in the underground Necropolis • See astonishing frescoes in situ, including at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore This tour will trace the development of early Christian art in the unique context of Rome, where it evolved from the fugitive imagery of a persecuted cult, into the triumphant representation of imperial piety. Highlights of our itinerary will include a visit to the excavated Vatican Necropolis under St Peter’s Basilica, with its 3rd century mosaic supposedly portraying Christ as the sun-god Apollo, and Santa Sabina, the oldest surviving Roman basilica in the city. Another memorable visit will be to the Scala Sancta of the Sancta Sanctorum chapel, said to be the steps taken by Jesus Christ on his way to trial by Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem, which were subsequently brought to Rome in the fourth century by Saint Helena. Within the 4th century Church of Santa Costanza, originally built as a mausoleum, we will discover some of the most important early Christian art in the 18
world. The splendid mosaics, depicting scenes of grape harvesting and details of birds and foliage, aptly illustrate Constantine’s policy of adapting old pagan motifs to new, Christian purposes. We will examine a succession of popes responsible for some of the unique images of the Virgin Mary to be found in Rome, from Sixtus III, who built the immense Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, to Nicholas IV, who centuries later commissioned Torriti to produce the Coronation of the Virgin mosaic in its apse. Our investigation will also consider the development of the ‘Roman’ school, characterised by Pietro Cavallini, whose Last Judgment mural in Santa Cecilia in Trastevere is considered his masterwork. We will stay throughout in the three-star Albergo Santa Chiara, situated in the very heart of Rome. FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: This tour has a full itinerary and involves extensive walking, including over many cobbled streets, so a good level of fitness is required.
Please note that the itinerary represents a guide to what we hope to offer, and some elements may be subject to change or confirmation nearer the time. Some sites in Rome can undergo last minute closure owing to local events.
© LIVIOANDRONICO2013/CC BY-SA 4.0
February 22–27, 2021 from £1895 per person | with Andrew Wilson
Tour Director Andrew Wilson writes, “Scattered among the better known imperial monuments, the thrill of this tour is the opportunity to explore a variety of early churches, allowing us to trace the gradual development of an art form (tied into liturgy and architecture) that gives us so much pleasure in the place where it had its roots, the Roma Caput Mundi.”
Day 1 Flight from London to Rome. Transfer to Albergo Santa Chiara for five nights. Day 2 Morning: San Crisogono (Paleochristian crypt), Santa Cecilia and the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere. Afternoon: Santa Sabina (fine example of an early Christian church in Rome), Santa Maria in Cosmedin and San Giorgio in Velabro. Evening talk: Early Christian Rome. Day 3 Morning: Catacombs of Priscilla (frescoes including earliest image of Madonna and Child), Santa Costanza and Sant’Agnese. Afternoon: Santa Maria Maggiore (nave and triumphal arch mosaics), Santa Pudenziana and Santa Prassede. Evening talk: The Development of Early Christian Art. Day 4 Morning: San Clemente and Santi Cosma e Damiano, followed by some free time in the area of the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Afternoon: San Giovanni in Laterano, Sancta Sanctorum cappella papale, Santi Quattro Coronati. Free evening. Day 5 Visits in the Vatican City: St Peter’s Basilica and Necropolis. Afternoon: Castel Sant’Angelo. Day 6 Morning walking tour: Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Santa Maria sopra Minerva and Campo de’ Fiori. Flight from Rome to London. Cost of £1895 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a standard twin or double bedded room, breakfast, four dinners with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, single standard room supplement £50, single superior room supplement £95. TOUR CODE: ECMR21
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