Podcast
Rebuilding The Renaissance
Hosted by Rocky Ruggiero · EN
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.
21episodes
Episodes
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Episode 386 - Palermo - Quattro Canti
3d ago00:18:50Tap to summarizeThe 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.
Transcribe →Episode 385 - Palermo - The Church of Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio (La Martorana)
1w ago00:18:47Tap to summarizeConstruction 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.
Transcribe →Episode 384 - Palermo - The Palatine Chapel
2w ago00:18:55Tap to summarizeBuilt 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.
Transcribe →Episode 383 - Sicily: Palermo and the Story of Santa Rosalia
3w ago00:18:16Tap to summarizeBorn 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.
Transcribe →Episode 382 - Sicily - Palermo Cathedral
May 1300:21:41Tap to summarizeOriginally 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.
Transcribe →Episode 381 - Palermo - 3,000 Years of History, Beauty, and Traditions
May 600:22:21Tap to summarizeFounded 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.
Transcribe →Episode 380 - The Soul of Sicily
Apr 2900:20:24Tap to summarizeThe 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.
Transcribe →Episode 379 - Answers to Open Questions Part XXVIII
Apr 2200:27:20Tap to summarizeFrom 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.
Transcribe →Episode 378 - Florence: Palazzo Davanzati
Apr 1500:22:44Tap to summarizeBuilt in the 14th century for the Davizzi family, before being sold to the Davanzati family in the 16th century, the Palazzo Davanzati is today home of the "Museum of the Old Florentine House." The various floors showcase domestic spaces and household objects to recreate life in a medieval Florentine home.
Transcribe →Episode 377 - Florence - the Museum of Santa Maria Novella
Apr 800:21:21Tap to summarizeThe Museum of Santa Maria Novella is in the convent of the great Dominican complex of Santa Maria Novella in Florence, Italy. It consists of a series of cloisters and spaces that house various artistic masterpieces including the frescoes of the Spanish Chapel, Paolo Uccello's "Stories of Noah, Abraham, and Jacob," and Suor Plautilla Nelli's (who was a Dominican nun and painter) once lost "Last Supper."
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