Italy is a nation beloved by many for its layered history, artistic treasures, majestic landscapes, and renowned cuisine, all of which vary broadly from one region to the next. This variety is due in part to the fact that the Italian peninsula was once a mosaic of numerous smaller city-states, each of which added its own unique contributions to the cultural richness of the country, which is home to the highest concentration of UNESCO World Heritage Sites of any modern nation.
Art historian Sophia D’Addio of Columbia University, an expert in Italian Renaissance art and architecture, has traveled widely across the Italian peninsula over the past 20 years. In a second series of illustrated talks, she explores a trio of distinctive regions of Italy, revealing their histories, mysteries, and pleasures.
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Considered to be the cradle of the Renaissance, the concentration of artistic riches in Tuscany’s capital city, Florence, is unparalleled. Yet there are many other cities across the region that constitute important artistic and cultural centers, such as the hilltop town of Siena, the city of Pisa near the coast, and Lucca, which is still surrounded by its medieval city walls. The region is also renowned for its simple yet flavorful cuisine—including the hearty staples of cucina povera, or peasant fare—and its viticulture, with many prized varietals cultivated in the Chianti, Montalcino, Montepulciano, and Bolgheri areas.
Additional Italian Regions to Discover Programs
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