Discovering the Cultural Heritage of Rome

Description

Concept by Pietro Antichi

Rome, also known as the Eternal City, is a treasure chest of majestic monuments, hundreds of churches, and spectacular fountains that shape its stunning skyline, making it the city with the highest concentration of historical, archaeological, artistic and architectural heritage in the world.

The course will accompany the participants to discover the astonishing cultural heritage in the city, which will be taken as an example to explain the principles of Cultural Heritage Education (CHE).

This approach promoted by the Council of Europe aims to incorporate heritage education more effectively in school curricula in order to raise awareness of common history and values among the younger generations and strengthen the sense of belonging to a shared European cultural and political space.

Because of the immersive first-hand approach of this course, students will strengthen their visual and critical thinking skills, delving into a broader range of knowledge about the protection and valorization of cultural heritage to seek a European identity that ties itself to common and tangible roots.

The course provides a guided tour in the city center that emphasizes the stunning monuments such as the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the grandiose archaeological area of Fori Imperiali.

The course program offers entrance to various museums and/or the most beautiful churches which may vary depending on the exhibitions open and the museums’ offerings.

Learning outcomes

• Provide a historical framework concerning the cultural heritage and the artistic universe of Rome; 
• Fostering critical and visual thinking skills that motivate students to reach a deeper level of active learning;  
• Lead students in history and art activities inspired by classical works of art and architecture;
• Appraising the value and importance of cultural heritage for inclusive and sustainable social community; 
• Creating a European identity through Cultural Heritage Education (CHE) and museums digital resources. 

Tentative schedule

Day 1 – Introduction to cultural heritage education

• Welcome and introduction to the course, the host school, and the weekly program;
• Icebreaker activities to foster group connection;
• Presentations of participants’ schools and cultural contexts;
• Introduction to the concept of cultural heritage and its role in education;
• Overview of European and international policies for cultural heritage valorization;
• Outdoor activity: Scavenger hunt in Rome’s historic city center to uncover hidden heritage stories.

Day 2 – The cultural heritage of Ancient Rome

• Understanding the artistic values and visual language of Ancient Rome;
• Reassessing Roman art as a living and evolving cultural legacy;
• Case studies: Analyzing iconic Roman structures and their educational potential;
• Museum visit: Capitoline Museums, National Roman Museum, or a similar collection of Roman antiquities;
• Learning-by-doing session inside the museum.

Day 3 – Renaissance art and architecture in Rome

• Exploring the key themes and visual conventions of Renaissance art;
• Interpreting the humanist ideals behind Renaissance aesthetics;
• Hands-on activity: Guided analysis of the frescoes at Villa Farnesina;
• Museum visit: Villa Farnesina or another site highlighting Renaissance masterpieces.

Day 4 – The splendor of the Baroque

• Discovering the drama and grandeur of Baroque frescoes, sculptures, and architecture;
• Case studies of major Baroque monuments and artworks in Rome;
• Discussion on integrating Baroque heritage into interdisciplinary school projects;
• Museum visit: Palazzo Barberini or another relevant site;
• Applied learning activity conducted on-site at the museum.

Day 5 – Digital tools for cultural heritage education

• Exploring digital platforms and archives to teach art and heritage;
• Using European cultural databases to foster shared identity and inclusion;
• Practical strategies for planning and leading heritage-focused student visits;
• Reflection and exchange of ideas: How to apply what we’ve learned in your own classroom.

Day 6 – Course closure and cultural activities

• Course evaluation: round-up of acquired competencies, feedback, and discussion;
• Awarding of the course Certificate of Attendance;
• Excursion and other external cultural activities.