Northern Italy. Vincenza, Padova, Mantova and Verona

Sorry for the late updates. My internet is out, yes, again. What a frustrating problem, but I am growing used to the disconnection. Last weekend we had another university field trip. The really cool thing about the field trips is that all the traveling and lodging is handled for us by the staff, we just get to sit back and enjoy the ride.

This was our weekend exploring Northern Italy, which is absolutely beautiful.We had stops in Vincenza, Podova (Padua in English), Mantova (Mantua), and Verona.

So think in terms of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and Hamlet.Because about half of our program consists of architecture students, we spend most of the time exploring important architectural site such as Villa Rotunda (Palladian architecture) and a cemetary designed by famous contemporary architect Carlo Scarpa.

Padova was my favorite city of the trip. It was more modern than Florence and had a hustling bustling night scene with tons of Italain college students. We were also fortunate enough to be in Padova during an exhibition of the contemporary architect Zaha Hadid. Her work is incredibly foreward and dynamic. I am a sucker for clean organic lines so I fell in love with her work right away.



The highlight of the trip for me however, was being able to get into the elusive Scrovegni Chapel outside of Matova.

The chapel was comissioned by the Scrovegni Family during the early Renaissance time built in hopes that its dedication would bring salvation to a family surely banished to Hell at the end of their sinful lives.

It is a small chapel maybe 40 feet or so long and 30 feet high, completely covered in frescoes by one of the fathers of Renaissance art, Giotto. This chapel is very difficult to get into and I never expected to see it in my life.We were required to sit in a de-ionization and de-magnetization chamber for 15 minutes before entering, alotted only 15 minutes inside, and taking photos is strictly forbidden (but I'm kind of a ninja and snuck a few anyways shhh..).

I was speachless after leaving the chapel. What a treat.

ALRIGHT...so Im about to throw my computer through this window. For some reason I cant upload pictures, so they are soon to come