21 – 25 October 2021
Assisi and Gubbio
Description
The rich artistic and architectonic heritage of Assisi, birthplace of St Francis and St Clare, is inextricably linked with the two saints. The Basilica of St Francis, the saint’s shrine, consists of two superimposed basilicas and contains renowned fresco cycles by Cimabue, Giotto and Simone Martini. The Baroque Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli was built to protect the Porziuncola, one of the first churches restored by Saint Francis. The Cathedral of San Rufino is the oldest church in the town, while the Basilica of Saint Clare, houses her relics and St Francis’ crucifix. Both buildings are among the best examples of Umbrian Gothic. The Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo and the Palazzo dei Priori in the historic centre testify to the wealth and power of the commune in the 13th and 14th century. Their rich decorative programmes can be studied in the local Pinacoteca Palazzo Vallemani. The Roman past of the town can be admired in the Augustean Temple of Minerva (today Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva)
The study tour will include a visit to Gubbio, one of Umbria’s oldest town, the monuments of which testify to its glorious past: among them are the 1st century BC Roman Theatre and the 14th century Palazzo dei Consoli and Palazzo Pretorio; the Ducal Palace which dominates the town was built by Francesco di Giorgio Martini for Federigo da Montefeltro, duke of Urbino in the 1470s. The Gothic cathedral contains numerous masterpieces of Umbrian and Tuscan art.
Other Details
Accommodation
4 nights at the Hotel Giotto**** in the centre of Assisi. Half pension tariff in twin-share room with private facilities.
Course Cost
£888, inclusive of tuition, airport transfers from Rome to Assisi, visits to Santa Maria degli Angeli and Eremo degli Carceri, day visit to Gubbio, accommodation, breakfast and evening meals.
Single Room Supplement
£100
Travel Insurance
Once tour is viable and flights are booked please make sure you book your travel insurance. If we have booked flights on your behalf through Travelpack then you can call Lina on 0208 5854010 ext 1008, Mon – Fri 9 – 4 , for an immediate quote (up to the age of 84).
Flight
Scheduled flights from London to Rome.
Local Transport
Airport transfers Rome to Assisi, visits to Santa Maria degli Angeli, Eremo degli Carceri and visit to Gubbio by private minibus.
Group Size
14
Tutor
Dalila Castelijn has a degree in foreign languages and literature from the University of Trieste, Italy and BA in history of art and architecture from Birkbeck College, London. She specializes in art and architecture of the Renaissance in Europe and has taught for the OU and the WEA. Courses taught for the OU include A216, A354 , A424 and AA315. She has led art study tours to Italy with the School of Continuing Education, Reading University.
Related OU Courses
A226/General interest
Itinerary / Study Programme
Day 1, Thursday 21 October 2021
Arrival and Orientation
Day 2, Friday 22 October 2021
Am: Basilica of St Francis and Palazzo Vallemani
Pm: Assisi’s historic centre – Palazzo del Capitano, Palazzo dei Priori, Santa Maria sopra Minerva, Cathedral of San Rufino and Basilica Santa Chiara
Day 3, Saturday 23 October 2021
Am: Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e Abbazia di San Pietro
Pm: Eremo delle Carceri
Day 4: Sunday 24 October 2021
Day Visit to Gubbio
Am: Palazzo dei Consoli and Palazzo Ducale
Pm: Cathedral and Roman Theatre
Day 5, Monday 25 October 2021
Free time and departure
This itinerary and study programme is provisional and may be subject to change in response to local conditions