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.
24episodes
Episodes
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Episode 389 - Sicily - Monreale Cathedral
4d ago00:17:50Tap to summarizeAccording 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.
Transcribe →Episode 388 - Palermo - The Church and Convent of Santa Caterina
2w ago00:21:43Tap to summarizeOriginally 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.
Transcribe →Episode 387 - Palermo - The Fountain of Shame (Pretorian Fountain)
3w ago00:19:57Tap to summarizeOriginally 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.
Transcribe →Episode 386 - Palermo - Quattro Canti
4w 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)
Jun 300:18:47Tap 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
May 2700:18:55Tap 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
May 2000:18:16Tap 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.
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