Experience the artistic highlights of northern Italy from bases in historical Bologna and Parma
View works of art by the Old Masters, including the superb collection of Bolognese paintings in the Pinacoteca Nazionale
Explore fascinating architecture, from churches, cathedrals and Mantua’s sumptuous Palazzo Te, to the Renaissance walled town of Sabbioneta
“Our main reason for joining the tour was to hear and learn from Andrew again. We continue to be impressed at his enthusiasm for his subject matter and the breadth of his knowledge”
– ACE customer on a previous tour to to Bologna and Parma with Andrew Spira
Join ACE as we explore the cultural splendours of northern Italy in the cities of Bologna and Parma, enriched by wider excursions to Mantua, Modena and the walled Renaissance town of Sabbioneta, home to outstanding art and architecture.
Our tour begins in Bologna, the world’s oldest university city, which has attracted cultural thinkers since Dante and Petrarch and today continues to foster a spirit of intellectual curiosity and vibrancy.
From a base in the historical heart of the city, we will encounter some of Bologna’s architectural icons, including the Gothic Basilica di San Petronio, originally intended to dwarf St Peter’s in Rome, and the lavish Basilica di San Domenico, a Renaissance showpiece that preserves the delicately crafted tomb of the eponymous saint. The Pinacoteca Nazionale is not only a treasure trove of Bolognese and Emilian paintings, but is considered one of Italy’s most important galleries, housing works by leading Renaissance, Mannerist and Baroque artists including Raphael, Titian and Guercino amongst others.
Progressing from Bologna to Parma, we will stop en route at Modena, taking in its historical core and visiting the Galleria Estense, where the collections range from Italian paintings to sculpture, decorative artworks, drawings and musical instruments.
Founded by the Romans, the city of Parma was built on the Via Emilia, an important trade route, and it is also home to one of the oldest universities in the world. The Romanesque octagonal baptistery is crowned with sculptures by Benedetto Antelami, whilst the cupola of the 11th century cathedral is acclaimed for its masterful ceiling frescoes by Correggio. In the imposing Palazzo della Pilotta, meanwhile, we will find the Galleria Nazionale, containing paintings by Murillo and Parmigianino.
A day excursion to Mantua, which only joined the kingdom of Italy in 1866, will offer an opportunity to explore the famed Renaissance Palazzo Te, notable for its sumptuous decorations by Giulio Romano. Moreover, the Palazzo Ducale, once the stronghold of the Gonzaga family, is today home to majestic works by Rubens and Mantegna.
The walled town of Sabbioneta is a uniquely preserved example of Renaissance town planning; it demonstrates how the ideal of rational order became manifest not only in paintings, sculptures and buildings, but in the urban environment itself. Mostly constructed in the late 16th century, the town has its own Ducal Palace, now the Town Hall, and is home to the Palazzo Giardino, a richly decorated villa. Sabbioneta also features one of only three surviving examples of a Renaissance theatre and a rare 19th century synagogue.
Our explorations of these historical centres will be complemented by lectures given by our Tour Director, providing participants with a rich and detailed understanding of the cultural heritage of this delightful part of Italy.
The first three nights of the tour will be spent at the four-star Art Hotel Commercianti, a comfortable property located in a restored 12th century former town hall just a few steps from the Basilica of San Petronio, in a pedestrianised part of Bologna’s historical centre. For our final three nights we will stay at a comfortable and welcoming hotel in Parma. Further information will be provided in due course.
Andrew Spira
Andrew was a specialist in Byzantine and Russian icons at Temple Gallery, London and has been leading tours to cultural sites for over 20 years.
This tour will be led by art historian Andrew Spira, MA, who studied at the Courtauld Institute of Art as well as City University, London. For several years Andrew was a specialist in Byzantine and Russian icons at Temple Gallery, London, before working as a curator at the Victoria & Albert Museum, and was subsequently Programme Director at Christie’s Education. He has been leading tours to cultural sites in Italy, France, Russia, Armenia, Georgia and many other European countries for over 20 years.
7
£3495
BOLG-26
Places are limited.
Please contact the office for more details on 01223 841055 to enquire.
Included: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, six breakfasts, one lunch, five dinners with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities & all taxes.
Not Included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £450. Upgraded rooms available in Bologna.
