Italy is the quintessential location for anyone interested in art, culture, and history. In collaboration with the Smithsonian, we bring you the exceptional gems and daily life of Italy’s past and present in a visually stunning tour. Explore Rome, Florence, and Venice—and take side trips to Pompeii, Perugia, and more. Visit important monuments, witness artistic masterpieces, and immerse yourself in Italian culture.
The Guide to Essential Italy
Let The Great Courses and Smithsonian Journeys take you on a rich and diverse tour that explores the crown jewels of Italian civilization.
Rated 1 out of
5
by
Smhstony from
Too much information for a travel course.
May I suggest that this professor watch the course by professor John Green of the University of Louisville? Greene’s course is excellent and a pleasure to watch and both the video and guide book give the traveler a substantial yet digestible introduction to the beautiful country that is France. Could Professor Bartlett or someone do something similar for Italy? Maybe Rick Steves?
Date published: 2024-07-24
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Anonymous from
Still great in 2024
Yes, this is an actual Italian history expert talking about his favorite subject... if you think you know Rome, Florence and Venice, give this a try and try to keep up! We've been to Italy many, many times and this series reminds us of why we love it so much. If you love art, history and architecture and want to get a fascinating historical walk though of the highlights, this is for you. Dr Bartlett has been teaching history for 40 years and it shows.
Date published: 2024-04-30
Rated 1 out of
5
by
rickyfr from
Mr
Just a pile of factoids. Not worth the time to watch. This guy has no sense of what an engaging lecture is like.
Date published: 2024-04-07
Rated 1 out of
5
by
The wisdom of Bias from
Not recommended.
Much to my disappointment, there is another professor, similar in appearance and name, that I confused with this one. However, this was such an inexpensive course that I will not return it - even if I eventually toss it away - or perhaps give it to someone who is not a "prude."
Date published: 2024-03-30
Rated 5 out of
5
by
johnnyjenga from
Get excited about Italy again
This is an excellent course that shows how much we missed on prior trips. Prof. Bartlett does a great job including stories with the numerous points of interest.
Date published: 2024-03-24
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Jackie C from
In October 2023 I relived an October 1983 trip
Professor Bartlett was a wonderful guide. And his stories! The woman in Venice who thwarted a revolt by dropping a mortar from her window - to think I walked right under it & didn't know the story until 40 years later! I revisited favorite art in palaces & museums, & saw the interiors of buildings we couldn't enter.
The birds-eye view of buildings, then zooming in on them, made me able to know at all times exactly where everything was.
In 1970, after ascending to Perugia from our tour bus way below, I'd noticed some ruins along the way, & tried for 50 years to find out what they were, even asking a friend who taught at the university there every summer. Thanks to Professor Bartlett, I know it's the Rocca Paolina. And I saw San Clemente in Rome, which fascinated me since I read about it in When in Rome, a Ngaio Marsh mystery.
I want to know more now about the Etruscans, Doge Foscari...I've told all my friends about it.
Grazie, Professore!
Date published: 2023-12-02
Rated 3 out of
5
by
gillianerin from
Not particularly gripping
Although informative, this course didn't really grab my attention the way others in a similar vein did. I completed it prior to a trip to Italy, but there are just so many churches discussed in each episode that I more or less tuned out. Also, I didn't find the pictures particularly helpful to help me landmark where we were, so I am just going to have to figure it out when I get there!
Date published: 2023-06-11
Rated 5 out of
5
by
jon27 from
A Joy
I have been to Italy a couple of times but I took this course to prepare for an upcoming trip. I am so happy that I did purchase the course. Prof Bartlett seems to share my enthusiasm for Italy and displays a wealth of knowledge about the country. I would strongly recommend Prof Bartlett's book, The Renaissance in Italy: A History, as well. I discovered many places I have yet to visit and for sites I have visited, I gained a greater appreciation for them. I strongly recommend this course especially if you plan to visit Italy.
Date published: 2023-04-24
Overview
About
Professor Kenneth R. Bartlett is a Professor of History at the University of Toronto. He received his Ph.D. from the Centre for Medieval Studies at the University of Toronto in 1978. He was the first director of the University of Toronto Art Centre and founding director of the Office of Teaching Advancement at the university, a position he held until 2009.
Much of Professor Bartlett’s career has been devoted to bringing the culture of European history into undergraduate and graduate classrooms. He has taught regularly in the University of Toronto Summer Abroad programs in Europe. He has been the recipient of numerous teaching awards, most notably, the 3M National Teaching Fellowship, awarded by the Canadian Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, and the inaugural President’s Teaching Award from the University of Toronto. In 2007, Professor Bartlett was one of the 10 finalists in TVOntario’s Best Lecturer Competition, which pits students’ favorite instructors against one another in a battle of charisma, clarity, passion, and conviction. That same year, the professor was recognized with an inaugural Leadership in Faculty Teaching Award by the government of Ontario.
Professor Bartlett is the author of The English in Italy, 1525–1558: A Study in Culture and Politics; The Civilization of the Italian Renaissance: A Sourcebook; and most recently, A Short History of the Italian Renaissance. He is also coeditor or translator of five other books, including Humanism and the Northern Renaissance (with M. McGlynn), and author of more than 35 articles and chapters on European history and culture. He has been the academic consultant and occasional on-camera commentator for the Illuminated Filmworks videos about the Vatican Library and for such television series as The Naked Archaeologist and Museum Secrets.
Together with his wife, Gillian, who herself holds a Ph.D. and is the author of seven books, Professor Bartlett regularly leads tours to Europe for major museums, universities, and cultural organizations.
Professor Bartlett’s other Great Courses include The Development of European Civilization, The Italian Renaissance, and The Italians before Italy: Conflict and Competition in the Mediterranean.
Trailer
01: Rome: The Eternal City
Begin your journey with sites along the Tiber River, which tells the story of Rome through the ages. Climb the Monte Caprino, one of Rome's seven hills, to see monumental sculptures, Michelangelo's magnificent piazza and palaces, and the outstanding decoration and artworks of the Church of the Aracoeli.
30 min
02: The Capitoline and the Colosseum
Adjoining the Capitoline Hill, take in the grand Piazza Venezia, with its Renaissance and Baroque palaces, famous talking statues, and masterful church of Santa Maria di Loreto. Continue with the imposing forums of Trajan and Augustus, finishing with the history and lore of Rome's iconic Colosseum, site of ancient entertainment and ritual.
29 min
03: Imperial Palaces of the Palatine Hill
Learn about the marvels of Roman hydraulic engineering, and visit the massive Circus Maximus and the spectacular ruined baths nearby. Then discover the great palace complex of Domitian, with the emperor's private quarters and ceremonial rooms; the houses of Augustus and Livia; and the Renaissance Farnese Gardens.
30 min
04: Pompeii: A City Frozen in Time
Take a detour to the amazingly preserved city of Pompeii, with its fascinating view into the lives of ordinary Roman citizens. Envision the grandeur of Pompeii's forum, with its temples, municipal buildings, and public baths. Explore luxurious mansions, brothels, and bakeries; the theatre, outdoor gymnasium and arena; and the beautiful Villa of Mysteries.
30 min
05: The Roman Forum
Learn about the history of this monumental public space, the epicenter of Rome's empire. Visit essential sites of the Forum, including the Temples of Venus and of Rome, the Arch of Titus, the Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine, and the House and Temple of the Vestal Virgins.
30 min
06: Along the Via Sacra to the Capitoline
Continuing with highlights of the Forum, grasp the economic and civic functions of the Basilica Aemilia and the Basilica Julia. Take in important pagan shrines, the Curia or Senate House, and the Arch of Septimius Severus, and learn the remarkable stories of the Church of Saints Mark and Martina and the Mamertine Prison.
29 min
07: The Via del Corso and Princely Palaces
Delve into the history of this famous street, and how it was named. Visit the Palazzo Doria Pamphili (containing a superb private art museum), the Palazzo Odescalchi, and the vast Palazzo Colonna, and learn about the lives of princely families. Discover the frescoes of the Galleria Sciarra, one of Rome's little-known gems.
29 min
08: The Trevi Fountain and Baroque Rome
A beloved symbol of Rome, the dazzling Trevi Fountain was a showpiece for Baroque papal power. After exploring the fountain, walk to the Piazza Quirinal, and visit its two majestic Baroque palaces. Also visit churches by Bernini and Borromini, highlighting Santa Maria della Vittoria, which contains Bernini's Cornaro Chapel and Ecstasy of Santa Teresa.
30 min
09: Above and Beyond the Spanish Steps
Walk down the famous Via Veneto to Bernini's Fontana Tritone fountain, continuing to the massive Palazzo Barberini, now a superlative art museum. Explore the picturesque Spanish Steps area, highlighting the Villa Medici, the elegant Via Condotti, and the great Palazzo Borghese, one of Rome's most lavish princely dwellings.
29 min
10: At the Bend in the Tiber
The Piazza Montecitorio comprises the political heart of Rome. Begin with the Palace of Montecitorio, a Bernini masterpiece now housing the Italian parliament. Marvel at the storied Palazzo Chigi, the imposing Temple to Hadrian, and the sublime interior of the church of Sant'Ignazio, and the Solarium Augusti, a gigantic sundial.
30 min
11: The Pantheon to Campo dei Fiori
Immerse yourself in the lore of the iconic Pantheon, the resting place of Raphael and other celebrated Italians. Explore architectural treasures including splendorous Gothic and Renaissance churches en route to the teeming Piazza Navona, center of Roman social life. Also visit the Palazzo della Cancelleria, the finest early Renaissance palace in Rome.
31 min
12: Piazza Farnese to the Ara Pacis
Begin at the Piazza Farnese, one of Rome's most majestic squares, and visit its great Renaissance palace. Then take in the Palazzo Spada, with its ingenious Borromini interior, and discover one of Rome's greatest jewels, the Villa Farnesina. Conclude with two hugely important ancient sites, the Mausoleum of Augustus and the Ara Pacis.
30 min
13: Piazza del Popolo to San Clemente
Here, admire the lovely church of Santa Maria del Popolo, with its magnificent frescoes, and the lovely Villa Museo Borghese, boasting masterworks of Bernini, Titian, Raphael, and Caravaggio. Linger at the fabulous papal basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, the Scala Santa (Holy Stairs), and the extraordinary three-level church of San Clemente.
29 min
14: The Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica
Learn the history of the Vatican's Apostolic Palace, one of the most important repositories of art in the Western world, and savor treasures including the superlative Rooms of Raphael and Michelangelo's Sistine Ceiling. Conclude your Roman tour at the Renaissance Basilica of Saint Peter, the world's largest church and the seat of Roman Catholicism.
30 min
15: Orvieto, Siena, and San Gimignano
En route to Florence, discover three idyllic Italian towns. First visit Orvieto, with its glorious cathedral, vast Palace of the Popes, and intact medieval quarter. Continue to the UNESCO world heritage site of Siena, an astonishing medieval time capsule, and the exquisite San Gimignano, of dramatic towers and historic churches housing sublime frescoes.
30 min
16: Florence: Politics in Art and Architecture
Begin your tour of Florence by delving into the history of the feudal clans and merchant class that built the city. Visit the Uffizi, another of the world's greatest repositories of art; the imposing Palazzo Vecchio, with its dramatic Medici history; and the Orsanmichele, a building central to the medieval Florentine economy.
31 min
17: From the Piazza del Duomo to San Marco
Walk to the magical Piazza del Duomo, which encompasses all of Florence's rich history. Admire the vast Duomo (cathedral), with its world-famous dome, one of the wonders of the Renaissance. Marvel at the Baptistery's extraordinary doors, Ghiberti's masterpiece, before exploring the Palazzo Medici-Riccardi, home to treasures including the superb Medici Chapel.
31 min
18: Santa Croce and the Pazzi Chapel
Begin here at Florence's Accademia, home to Michelangelo's David, before visiting other superlative Florentine museums. In particular, explore the magnificent preaching church of Santa Croce, containing a stunning spectrum of artistic riches, including works of Donatello, Giotto, and della Robbia. Finish at the Pazzi Chapel, a masterwork of architectural geometry.
30 min
19: En Route to the Ponte Vecchio
Travel the streets of Florence, beginning with the Via del Proconsolo, one of the city's most historic thoroughfares. Enjoy architectural and historical treasures such as the Abbey of Florence, Dante's house, the fascinating Museum of the Old Florentine House, and the gorgeous Palazzo Bartolini-Salimbeni, before reaching the romantic Ponte Vecchio.
30 min
20: The Pitti Palace
Learn the colorful history of the Palazzo Pitti, which now contains several extraordinary museums. Focus on the renowned Palatine Gallery, a veritable treasury of Western culture featuring Flemish and Italian masterpieces of painting. Then savor the delights of the Boboli Gardens, a vision of a Renaissance and Baroque paradise.
30 min
21: The Oltrarno
Hear the romantic story of the house of Bianca Cappello, a tale of Renaissance intrigue. Then explore the great basilica of Santa Maria del Santo Spirito, with its dazzling altar canopy and 38 family chapels. Also enjoy the decoration of the nearby Brancacci Chapel, one of the most important examples of Renaissance painting.
30 min
22: Walking to Santa Maria Novella
Begin at the beautiful Ponte Santa Trinita bridge, dating from the 16th century, and grasp its political and civic symbolism. Then walk the fashionable Via Tornabuoni to the vast Dominican complex of Santa Maria Novella. Explore the complex's great preaching church, with artistic treasures including the Tornabuoni Chapel, one of Florence's great masterpieces.
29 min
23: From Santa Maria Novella to San Lorenzo
Continuing at Santa Maria Novella, view the superlative frescoes of the Green Cloister and the Spanish Chapel. Visit Europe's oldest operating pharmacy, founded in the 12th century, followed by the Medici Fortezza da Basso fortress, en route to the Basilica of San Lorenzo, whose Old Sacristy is a masterwork of Brunelleschi's geometric design.
30 min
24: The Medici Legacy
Now discover Michelangelo's New Sacristy, burial place of Medici nobles and a brilliant integration of sculpture and architecture. From there, take in the spectacular Chapel of the Princes, resting place of the Medici monarchs; view the phenomenal Laurentian Library, pride of the Medici clan; and learn the intriguing history of Florence's old markets.
30 min
25: The Ognissanti, Palaces, Parks, and Villas
Travel the Borgo Ognissanti, an important historic entry into Florence. Admire elegant palaces on the way to the church and monastery of Ognissanti, with their splendid frescoed Vespucci Chapel, Sacristy, and refectory. Enjoy the lush beauties of the Cascine Park and the Bardini Gardens, and visit the Jewel Villa, where Galileo lived.
30 min
26: Romantic Views: San Miniato and Fiesole
Here, visit one of Italy's most beautiful Romanesque churches, San Miniato al Monte, highlighting the collective artistic genius of the Chapel of the Cardinal of Portugal. Then travel to the hillside town of Fiesole, with its beautiful Villa Medici, Romanesque cathedral, and spectacular views over the city of Florence below.
30 min
27: Arezzo, Perugia, and Assisi
On a leisurely route to Venice, stop at three romantic hill towns of Tuscany and Umbria. Begin with Arezzo, with its picturesque Piazza Grande and glorious, art-laden churches. Then discover the magnificent guildhalls, Palace of the Priors, and papal fortress of Perugia, and Assisi's Temple of Minerva and sublime Church of St. Francis.
30 min
28: Venice: The Center of Power
As an introduction to Venice, contemplate the political and commercial history that gave rise to one of the world's most phenomenally beautiful cities. Then learn about the Molo, Venice's quayside entry point; the Doge's Palace, a brilliant masterpiece of Gothic architecture; and the Basilica di San Marco, a triumphal monument to Venetian glory.
31 min
29: The Drawing Room of Europe: Piazza San Marco
On the magical Piazza San Marco, take account of the Renaissance Procuratie Nuove, housing Venice's Procurators (municipal officials), and Napoleon's grand neoclassical palace. Discover the remarkable clock tower, with its two beautiful and ingenious public timepieces. View artistic treasures adorning the exterior of the Basilica, and learn about Venice's historic cisterns and wells.
30 min
30: The Basilica of San Marco
The interior of this great basilica is one of almost hypnotic magnificence. Enter through the atrium, and admire the symbolic floor mosaics and the gilded mosaics of the vaults, among the greatest anywhere in the world. Study the church's sublime decoration, highlighting the sacristy doors, the Golden Altarpiece, and the Cappella dei Mascoli.
28 min
31: The Ducal Palace
Begin your visit to the palace at the monumental Staircase of the Giants within the regal palace courtyard. Enter the rooms of state by the Golden Staircase, leading to the elegant ducal apartments. Learn about the lifestyle and role of the Doge, as you view majestic rooms glorifying Venetian power and myth.
30 min
32: Venetian Civilization
Enter the palace's Hall of the Great Council, called the most dramatic room in Europe, and learn about the Venetian republic's governing body of patrician representatives. Visit the palace prisons and the famous Bridge of Sighs en route to the Correr Museum of Venetian Civilization, which celebrates the republic's institutions, customs, arts, and trades.
29 min
33: Along the Giudecca and Grand Canals
On the glorious Venetian waterways, take a vaporetto to view Palladio's churches and the resplendent Santa Maria della Salute, which dominates the waterfront. Stop at fabulous palace museums along the Grand Canal, such as the great Galleria Accademia and the Casa Rezzonico, a stunning evocation of 18th-century Venetian life.
29 min
34: The Upper Grand Canal and San Marco on Foot
Among further riches of the Grand Canal, visit sumptuous waterside palaces, the former Jewish ghetto, and view the sweep of historic commercial buildings from Venice's maritime past. Then explore the San Marco district, featuring magnificent Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, and learn about the lore of the Venetian gondola.
30 min
35: The Rialto and Sestiere San Polo
Begin at the enchanting Rialto bridge, a defining landmark of Venice. From there, walk the San Polo district, a historic mercantile quarter, and visit streets and edifices recalling Venetian trading. Finish at two extraordinary treasure houses of art: the Frari, a great Franciscan church, and the glorious Scuola Grande di San Rocco.
29 min
36: Sestiere Castello and the Outer Islands
Within the treasure-laden Castello district, discover one of history's greatest equestrian statues, the astonishing ducal tombs of the church of San Zanipolo, and a jewel-box church where wedding parties arrive and depart by gondola. Finally, take a vaporetto to picturesque islands in the lagoon, home to the traditional crafts of glass-making and lace-making.
37 min
