Rebuilding The Renaissance
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- 11. Nov. 2026
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This podcast will explore the development of the art, architecture, culture and history in Italy, from ancient Roman times through the Renaissance. Listeners will develop an understanding of Italy's role in the development of Western civilization and an ability to appreciate and understand works of art in their historical context.
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Episode 408 - Puglia: Lecce - "The Florence of the Southern Italy"
Often described as "the Florence of southern Italy," Lecce is home to some of Italy's most beautiful Baroque architecture. In fact, the city's unique Baroque style is known as "Lecce Baroque," and is not only …
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Often described as "the Florence of southern Italy," Lecce is home to some of Italy's most beautiful Baroque architecture. In fact, the city's unique Baroque style is known as "Lecce Baroque," and is not only present in its magnificent churches, but also in many of the buildings and palaces that line the sun-drenched labyrinth of streets that characterize the city.Episode 407 - Puglia: Polignano al Mare
Polignano al Mare is a seaside town in the Puglia region of Italy celebrated for its natural beauty with breathtaking crystal-clear, turquoise blue waters below steep limestone cliffs. It is also the hometown …
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Polignano al Mare is a seaside town in the Puglia region of Italy celebrated for its natural beauty with breathtaking crystal-clear, turquoise blue waters below steep limestone cliffs. It is also the hometown of the celebrated Italian singer Domenico Modugno, who recorded the world's most popular song, "Nel blu dipinto di blu," better known as "Volare."Episode 406 - Puglia - Castel del Monte
Situated on a hill about 550 meters above sea level, the Castel del Monte is one of the most celebrated examples of medieval architecture. Commissioned by Frederick II in the 13th century, it was most likely …
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Situated on a hill about 550 meters above sea level, the Castel del Monte is one of the most celebrated examples of medieval architecture. Commissioned by Frederick II in the 13th century, it was most likely used either as a fortification or a hunting lodge by the emperor and his court. The octagonal plan of the structure is punctuated by eight octagonal towers at each corner and entrances on the eastern and western sides. The design of the Castel del Monte is a harmonious combination of Greco-Roman, Islamic, and Medieval Gothic styles.Episode 405 - Puglia: The Trulli of Alberobello
Located in the Italian region of Puglia, Alberobello is classified as "one of the most beautiful villages of Italy." This small town of some 11,000 inhabitants is celebrated throughout the world for its unique …
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Located in the Italian region of Puglia, Alberobello is classified as "one of the most beautiful villages of Italy." This small town of some 11,000 inhabitants is celebrated throughout the world for its unique habitations called "trulli." Trulli are stone huts with sloping canonical stone roofs. Italy meets the Shire!Episode 404 - Puglia: Italy's Best Kept Secret
From the natural beauty of its countryside and coast, to the man-made beauty of its architecture, to the beauty of its artisanal and culinary traditions, the Italian region of Puglia is simply astonishing. The …
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From the natural beauty of its countryside and coast, to the man-made beauty of its architecture, to the beauty of its artisanal and culinary traditions, the Italian region of Puglia is simply astonishing. The capital city of Bari is the resting place of one of Christianity's best-known saints - St. Nicholas. The city of Lecce is referred to as "the Florence of Southern Italy" for its beautiful art and architecture. The historic coastal city of Otranto feels more like Greece than Italy. in fact, Puglia is so rich in art, beauty, and tradition that you feel like you are being carried away by some invisible force, which the Apulian singer Domenico Modugno sang about in his 1958 hit song "Volare!"Episode 403 - Answers to Open Questions XXX
From the weird shading in Masaccio's "Expulsion of Adam and Eve,", to whether Michelangelo's "David" is left or right handed, to how to find out about upcoming exhibitions dedicated to Italian Renaissance art …
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From the weird shading in Masaccio's "Expulsion of Adam and Eve,", to whether Michelangelo's "David" is left or right handed, to how to find out about upcoming exhibitions dedicated to Italian Renaissance art, to my opinion about the "Cupid" sculpture attributed to Michelangelo by the Met, to why more people don't listen to Rab Hatfield, and much, much more - this episode answers the very questions that you ask me about the great art, artists, and history of the Italian Renaissance.Episode 402 - Sicily - The Ancient Theater of Taormina
Originally built in the 3rd century BCE, the ancient Greek theater of Taormina is the second largest Greek theater in Sicily after Siracusa. Constructed against the natural slope of Mt. Taurus, the structure …
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Originally built in the 3rd century BCE, the ancient Greek theater of Taormina is the second largest Greek theater in Sicily after Siracusa. Constructed against the natural slope of Mt. Taurus, the structure can accommodate up to10,000 spectators and offers spectacular views of the Ionian Sea and Mt. Etna. It is still used today for musical performances and film festivals.Episode 401 - Sicily - Taormina - "The Pearl of the Mediterranean"
Often called the "Pearl of the Mediterranean," Taormina, Italy is set on Mt. Taurus and surrounded by endless magnificent views of both sea and mountains, offering Mediterranean beauty everywhere you look …
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Often called the "Pearl of the Mediterranean," Taormina, Italy is set on Mt. Taurus and surrounded by endless magnificent views of both sea and mountains, offering Mediterranean beauty everywhere you look. Taormina is also home to the second largest ancient theater in Sicily after Siracusa. As is customary for Greek theaters, it is carved into the stone slope of a natural hill, using the backdrops of Mt. Etna and the Ionian Sea to create a jaw-droppingly beautiful natural panorama.
Episode 400 - Sicily - Neapolis Archeological Park of Siracusa
The archeological park of Siracusa, Sicily is in one of the five ancient districts of Siracusa known as the Neapolis - "the new city." Its two major ancient monuments are a massive ancient Greek theater from …
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The archeological park of Siracusa, Sicily is in one of the five ancient districts of Siracusa known as the Neapolis - "the new city." Its two major ancient monuments are a massive ancient Greek theater from the 5th century BCE carved directly into the limestone rock of the Temenite hill and an equally impressive ancient Roman amphitheater which had a seating capacity of some 20,000 spectators. But the park's most famous site is the so-called "Ear of Dionysius" which was named by the celebrated painter Caravaggio and has extraordinary acoustic properties.Episode 399 - Sicily - Siracusa and Ortygia
Ortygia is a small island forming the historical center of the Sicilian city of Siracusa. While already inhabited by native Sicels in ancient times, Siracusa became an ancient superpower after Greek colonists …
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Ortygia is a small island forming the historical center of the Sicilian city of Siracusa. While already inhabited by native Sicels in ancient times, Siracusa became an ancient superpower after Greek colonists settled there in the 8th century BCE and became part of Magna Graecia. In fact, Ortygia contains many of the city's oldest landmarks, including the Greek Temple of Apollo, the Fountain of Arethusa, and the Temple of Athena, which is today the Cathedral of Siracusa. It was later home to the legendary mathematician and inventor, Archimedes.Episode 398 - Sicily - The Mosaics of the Villa Romana del Casale
Covering nearly 3,500m2 of floor surface, the mosaic decoration of the Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina, Sicily, are almost unique not only in their scale, but also in their extraordinary state of …
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Covering nearly 3,500m2 of floor surface, the mosaic decoration of the Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina, Sicily, are almost unique not only in their scale, but also in their extraordinary state of preservation. The two most noteworthy and famous mosaics are the "Great Hunt," which is nearly 70m long and the surprising "Bikini Girls" mosaic which has gained international notoriety.Episode 397 - Sicily - Villa Romana del Casale
Located in the very heart of Sicily in a town called Piazza Armerina, the Villa Romana del Casale is an archeological site containing the remains of an ancient Roman "Latifundium," or agricultural estate. The …
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Located in the very heart of Sicily in a town called Piazza Armerina, the Villa Romana del Casale is an archeological site containing the remains of an ancient Roman "Latifundium," or agricultural estate. The massive building is incredibly well preserved and provides us with a vivid glimpse of Roman life in the early 4th century CE. It is also home to an extensive mosaic program covering 3,500m2 (38,000ft2) of surface and including the famous "bikini girls" mosaic.Episode 396 - Sicily - The Charming Town of Erice
Situated about 750m above sea level in the northwestern part of Sicily, Erice is one of the most charming of Sicilian towns. Characterized by narrow, medieval streets flanked by churches and palaces, Erice is …
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Situated about 750m above sea level in the northwestern part of Sicily, Erice is one of the most charming of Sicilian towns. Characterized by narrow, medieval streets flanked by churches and palaces, Erice is simply a delight to stroll through. Its main church is known as the "Chiesa Matrice" ("Mother church") and was built at the beginning of the 14th century. The Norman castle in Erice is known as the "Castello di Venere" ("Castel of Venus") offers breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian coast.Episode 395 - Sicily - The Archeological Park of Selinunte
Selinunte is home to one of the most important archaeological sites from the Greek period in Italy. Located on the west coast of Sicily, it was the most westerly of ancient Greek colonies and one of the most …
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Selinunte is home to one of the most important archaeological sites from the Greek period in Italy. Located on the west coast of Sicily, it was the most westerly of ancient Greek colonies and one of the most important. Its ancient public spaces, temples, fortifications, and houses are remarkably well preserved and date as far back as far as the middle of the 6th century BCE.Episode 394 - Sicily - Segesta
Located about an hour west of Palermo in Sicily, Segesta is home to a magnificent Greek-style, Doric order temple built in the 5th century BCE. Perched high up on a hill, offering breathtaking views of the …
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Located about an hour west of Palermo in Sicily, Segesta is home to a magnificent Greek-style, Doric order temple built in the 5th century BCE. Perched high up on a hill, offering breathtaking views of the nearby Gulf of Castellammare, the temple and nearby ancient theater are testimony to the ancient people of Segesta who were known as Elymians.Episode 393 - Answers to Open Questions - XXIX
From how I go about recording my podcasts, to great Italian Renaissance art in England, to where to stay in Sicily, to the similarities between Michelangelo's unfinished "Entombment" and Pontormo's "Capponi …
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From how I go about recording my podcasts, to great Italian Renaissance art in England, to where to stay in Sicily, to the similarities between Michelangelo's unfinished "Entombment" and Pontormo's "Capponi Altarpiece," to Parmigianino's ceiling in Fontanellato, to where Michelangelo got his talent, and much, much more - this episode answers the very questions that you ask me about the great art, artists, and history of the Italian Renaissance.Episode 392 - Sicily - The Valley of the Temples
The Valley of the temples in Agrigento, Sicily, is an archeological area containing the remains of seven ancient Greek temples, in varying states of conservation. Located along a ridge with breathtaking views …
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The Valley of the temples in Agrigento, Sicily, is an archeological area containing the remains of seven ancient Greek temples, in varying states of conservation. Located along a ridge with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea in the distance, it represents one of the world's most important collections of Ancient Greek architecture.Episode 391 - Sicily - Agrigento
The southern Sicilian city of Agrigento was founded in 580 BCE by a group of Greek colonists from the nearby town of Gela with the name "Akragas." It quickly became one of Magna Grecia's most important cities …
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The southern Sicilian city of Agrigento was founded in 580 BCE by a group of Greek colonists from the nearby town of Gela with the name "Akragas." It quickly became one of Magna Grecia's most important cities and eventually defeated a Carthaginian army at the Battle of Himera in 480BCE. To celebrate the victory, a series of majestic temples were built along a nearby and known today as "The Valley of the Temples."Episode 390 - Sicily - The Mosaics of Monreale Cathedral
Covering some 6,500m2 (70,000ft2), the spectacular mosaic cycle of Monreale Cathedral in Sicily is one of the largest in the world. The mosaics were created in the 12th and 13th centuries by order of Norman …
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Covering some 6,500m2 (70,000ft2), the spectacular mosaic cycle of Monreale Cathedral in Sicily is one of the largest in the world. The mosaics were created in the 12th and 13th centuries by order of Norman King William II in the Byzantine style. While the nave and clerestory mosaics depict Old Testament stories, the side aisle walls, instead, depict New Testament stories. The entire program culminates in the apse of the great cathedral with a massive "Christ Pantocrator" image.Episode 389 - Sicily - Monreale Cathedral
According to legend, in the 12th century, the Virgin Mary appeared to King William II of Sicily while he was napping and ordered him to build a church on a hill just 7km south of Palermo, Italy. The result is …
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According to legend, in the 12th century, the Virgin Mary appeared to King William II of Sicily while he was napping and ordered him to build a church on a hill just 7km south of Palermo, Italy. The result is one of the greatest churches of the Middle Ages - Monreale Cathedral. Next to the majestic church, whose interior contains Italy's largest mosaic, is an exotic cloister that was clearly influenced by Islamic architecture.Episode 388 - Palermo - The Church and Convent of Santa Caterina
Originally built in the 14th century, the Dominican church and convent were both renovated in the 16th century. While the church displays a n almost dizzying example of Sicilian Baroque architecture, the …
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Originally built in the 14th century, the Dominican church and convent were both renovated in the 16th century. While the church displays a n almost dizzying example of Sicilian Baroque architecture, the well-preserved convent is instead quite sober and reflects what mosaic life was like for the nuns. The convent is also home to a still active bakery called "I Segreti del Chiostro" which offers visitors delicious local specialties.Episode 387 - Palermo - The Fountain of Shame (Pretorian Fountain)
Originally carved in 1554 for the garden of a Spanish nobleman in Florence, the so-called "Fountain of Shame" was dissembled in 644 pieces and transported to Palermo, Sicily, after having been sold to the …
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Originally carved in 1554 for the garden of a Spanish nobleman in Florence, the so-called "Fountain of Shame" was dissembled in 644 pieces and transported to Palermo, Sicily, after having been sold to the Senate of Palermo. Situated on the western side of the Dominican church and nunnery of Santa Caterina, the abundant nudity of the fountain was thought to be shameful in such proximity to the chaste nuns.Episode 386 - Palermo - Quattro Canti
The Quattro Canti is a spectacular example of Sicilian Baroque architecture on a grand scale! Marking the entrance to Palermo's historic district, the Quattro Canti (technically Piazza Vigliena) is a large …
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The Quattro Canti is a spectacular example of Sicilian Baroque architecture on a grand scale! Marking the entrance to Palermo's historic district, the Quattro Canti (technically Piazza Vigliena) is a large octagonal piazza laid out in the early 17th century, four side of which are occupied by Baroque facades. Each of these facades contains allegorical fountains on the ground level, statues of Sicily's Spanish rulers of Sicily on the next, and Palermo's four patron saints above.Episode 385 - Palermo - The Church of Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio (La Martorana)
Construction on the church of Sant Maria dell'Ammiraglio in Palermo, Italy, began in 1143 CE under the patronage of George of Antioch, admiral of King Roger II's navy, from which the church gets its name. The …
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Construction on the church of Sant Maria dell'Ammiraglio in Palermo, Italy, began in 1143 CE under the patronage of George of Antioch, admiral of King Roger II's navy, from which the church gets its name. The church preserves an extraordinary collection of 12th-century mosaics, the two most important of which are "Christ Coronating King Roger II" and " George of Antioch at the Feet of the Virgin Mary." In later centuries, the church received various Baroque-style additions and decorations, and the nickname "La Martorana" from the nearby Benedictine nunnery.Episode 384 - Palermo - The Palatine Chapel
Built as a royal chapel in the 12th century CE by King Roger II, the Norman ruler of Sicily, the Palatine Chapel is a beautiful manifestation of the influences of Byzantine, Norman, and Islamic art and …
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Built as a royal chapel in the 12th century CE by King Roger II, the Norman ruler of Sicily, the Palatine Chapel is a beautiful manifestation of the influences of Byzantine, Norman, and Islamic art and architecture. The chapel is home to one of Italy's most important examples Byzantine mosaic decoration and an almost unique example of a non-Islamic muqarnas ceiling.Episode 383 - Sicily: Palermo and the Story of Santa Rosalia
Born to a noble Norman family in the 12th century, Santa Rosalia became Palermo's most important patron saint when she miraculously saved the city from a devastating plague in 1624. Still today, she is …
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Born to a noble Norman family in the 12th century, Santa Rosalia became Palermo's most important patron saint when she miraculously saved the city from a devastating plague in 1624. Still today, she is venerated and celebrated by both the people of Palermo as well as Sicilians throughout the world.Episode 382 - Sicily - Palermo Cathedral
Originally built in the 12th century, Palermo Cathedral was continually modified for the next six centuries. While much of its original and rather exotic Norman architecture survives on the exterior, the …
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Originally built in the 12th century, Palermo Cathedral was continually modified for the next six centuries. While much of its original and rather exotic Norman architecture survives on the exterior, the interior is entirely Neoclassical in design. Palermo Cathedral is home to the tomb of Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II and the remains Palermo's patron saint, Santa Rosalia.Episode 381 - Palermo - 3,000 Years of History, Beauty, and Traditions
Founded by the Phoenicians nearly 3,000 years ago, Palermo subsequently became a Greek, Carthaginian, Roman, Arab, and Norman city. This mix of civilizations is palpable in Palermo art, architecture, food, and …
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Founded by the Phoenicians nearly 3,000 years ago, Palermo subsequently became a Greek, Carthaginian, Roman, Arab, and Norman city. This mix of civilizations is palpable in Palermo art, architecture, food, and customs of the city. This podcast explores this magical Sicilian city's three millennia of history, beauty, and traditions.
Episode 380 - The Soul of Sicily
The Italian Island of Sicily is one of the most magical places on earth. Embraced by the Mediterranean, Tyrrhenian, and Ionian Seas, kissed by warm sunshine nearly year-round, home to three active volcanoes …
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The Italian Island of Sicily is one of the most magical places on earth. Embraced by the Mediterranean, Tyrrhenian, and Ionian Seas, kissed by warm sunshine nearly year-round, home to three active volcanoes – the largest of which, "Her Majesty," Mt. Etna, looms over the island like a sleeping giant – and a multi-colored landscape that includes forests, farmland, and arid fields, Sicily, it seems, was truly favored by the gods, both past and present.Episode 379 - Answers to Open Questions Part XXVIII
From the origins of the name "Rialto," to mysterious statues on the facade of Florence Cathedral, to the connection between Piero della Francesca and Caravaggio, to the reason why the red pigment in Fra …
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From the origins of the name "Rialto," to mysterious statues on the facade of Florence Cathedral, to the connection between Piero della Francesca and Caravaggio, to the reason why the red pigment in Fra Angelico's frescoes glitter, to great Italian Renaissance art in England, and much, much more - this episode answers the very questions that you ask me about the great art, artists, and history of the Italian Renaissance.
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