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Course DescriptionThe course will examine the history and development of Vatican territory and in particular its principal site of worship, the Basilica of Saint Peter, considered the center of Christianity and declared a world heritage site by UNESCO. Its nearly 2000 years long history will be discussed by analyzing its major archeological sites and the archeological evidence that has emerged from discoveries made in recent years; the construction, restoration and rennovation phases of the Basilica that involved the contribution of famous artists like Raphael, Michelangelo, Bernini, and architects as Donato Bramante, Antonio da Sangallo, Jacopo da Vignola, Giacomo della Porta, Carlo Maderno, Francesco Borromini. Finally it will also consider practical considerations as the rise of Vatican City State as a political entity; the major implications and challenges that have accompanied the management of the Basilica to this day, also as a world heritage site; conservation and preservation policies and legal measures issued by international organizations like UNESCO for the protection of cultural and natural heritage sites; the sustainable development policy of the Church towards its cultural heritage in general. Special visits to some of the “secret corners of the Vatican”, normally not open to the public, like: the newly discovered archeological sites, the Fabbrica di San Pietro – the Department, founded in 1506, to look after the management and care of the Basilica - and its Historical Archives, containing a precious collection of records, letters, drawings autographed by the above mentioned famous architects and artists, as well as its storage rooms housing the spectacular monumental wooden models of the Basilica made in the 1500’s by Antonio da Sangallo and Michelangelo; as well as the Vatican Secret Archives, will permit students to gain a comprehensive picture of this spectacular site valued as one of the wonders of the world precisely for its uninterrupted evolution and devotional history throughout the centuries. TextbookCourse Reader
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