Students are eligible to receive 1 college credit during this 12-day seminar, with a focus on the built environment, architecture and anthropology. Students spend time at the Notre Dame Rome facility for morning class before stepping into the fascinating history of the Eternal City.
Students visit the impressive remains of the Baths of Diocletian. Commissioned by the Emperor Diocletian in 298 AD and completed in 306 AD, this impressive architectural feat took up 120,000 square meters and included a gymnasium, a library, and public baths.
Students receive a tour of Castel Sant'Angelo with Professor Ettore Mazzola, an Architecture instructor for Notre Dame Rome. Built in the second century A.D as a tomb to Emperor Hadrian, the structure has served many purposes of the year, including as a Papal fortress and later a prison. While the history of the structure is fascinating on its own, the views from the top aren't bad either!
Gelato break!
"I had a fantastic time learning about Roman history and architecture from esteemed Notre Dame Professors. We visited many incredible places including the Vatican museums, the Colosseum, and the Pope's Summer Home. Amidst the learning, it was also amazing to develop such strong friendships that will hopefully last a long time. In fact, we still talk today and plan to visit each other soon! It was the best trip I've ever been on, and I'm so fortunate to have had the opportunity to attend. " - Molly Vedra, Study Abroad: Italy 2019
The massive stone amphitheater known as the Colosseum remains an icon for Roman history. Students tour the Colosseum with Professor Paolo Vitti, who himself has done renovations on this ancient structure.
Constructed in 19 BC, Trevi Fountain is one of Rome's oldest water sources. Today, tourists flock to this site to not only see the beautiful design, but also to toss in coins! According to legend, the first coin guarantees your return to Rome, the second will ensure a new romance, and the third will ensure marriage. These coins are gathered nightly and given to a charity in Rome, helping those living in poverty within the city.
The Pantheon is thought to have been a temple for Roman gods. Rebuilt in 25 BC, it now functions as a church. Professor Vitti walks students through the concept, design, and construction as well as its current function to the global community.
Students travel to Vatican City State to explore the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica with Jill Alexy. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to see first hand the Sistine Chapel, the Pietà, and incredible art by renowned artists such as Caravaggio and Raphael.
Students then climb up to the top of St. Peter's dome for an incredible view of Rome!
GO FURTHER
The St John Lateran Archbasilica is the Cathedral of Rome and one of the most beautiful churches in the world with colossal statues, mosaics and frescoes that run from the ceiling to the ground.
"Out of every spontaneous adventure and each day spent delving into the rich history of the eternal city, what I most enjoyed about the Study Abroad: Italy experience was the unique learning environment created when the city itself became our classroom."