Rebuilding The Renaissance

Originally built in the 3rd century BCE, the ancient Greek theater of Taormina is the second largest Greek theater in Sicily after Siracusa. Constructed against the natural slope of Mt. Taurus, the structure can accommodate up to10,000 spectators and offers spectacular views of the Ionian Sea and Mt. Etna. It is still used today for musical performances and film festivals.

The archeological park of Siracusa, Sicily is in one of the five ancient districts of Siracusa known as the Neapolis - "the new city." Its two major ancient monuments are a massive ancient Greek theater from the 5th century BCE carved directly into the limestone rock of the Temenite hill and an equally impressive ancient Roman amphitheater which had a seating capacity of some 20,000 spectators. But the park's most famous site is the so-called "Ear of Dionysius" which was named by the celebrated painter Caravaggio and has extraordinary acoustic properties.

Ortygia is a small island forming the historical center of the Sicilian city of Siracusa. While already inhabited by native Sicels in ancient times, Siracusa became an ancient superpower after Greek colonists settled there in the 8th century BCE and became part of Magna Graecia. In fact, Ortygia contains many of the city's oldest landmarks, including the Greek Temple of Apollo, the Fountain of Arethusa, and the Temple of Athena, which is today the Cathedral of Siracusa. It was later home to the legendary mathematician and inventor, Archimedes.

Covering nearly 3,500m2 of floor surface, the mosaic decoration of the Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina, Sicily, are almost unique not only in their scale, but also in their extraordinary state of preservation. The two most noteworthy and famous mosaics are the "Great Hunt," which is nearly 70m long and the surprising "Bikini Girls" mosaic which has gained international notoriety.

Located in the very heart of Sicily in a town called Piazza Armerina, the Villa Romana del Casale is an archeological site containing the remains of an ancient Roman "Latifundium," or agricultural estate. The massive building is incredibly well preserved and provides us with a vivid glimpse of Roman life in the early 4th century CE. It is also home to an extensive mosaic program covering 3,500m2 (38,000ft2) of surface and including the famous "bikini girls" mosaic.

Situated about 750m above sea level in the northwestern part of Sicily, Erice is one of the most charming of Sicilian towns. Characterized by narrow, medieval streets flanked by churches and palaces, Erice is simply a delight to stroll through. Its main church is known as the "Chiesa Matrice" ("Mother church") and was built at the beginning of the 14th century. The Norman castle in Erice is known as the "Castello di Venere" ("Castel of Venus") offers breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian coast.

Selinunte is home to one of the most important archaeological sites from the Greek period in Italy. Located on the west coast of Sicily, it was the most westerly of ancient Greek colonies and one of the most important. Its ancient public spaces, temples, fortifications, and houses are remarkably well preserved and date as far back as far as the middle of the 6th century BCE.

Located about an hour west of Palermo in Sicily, Segesta is home to a magnificent Greek-style, Doric order temple built in the 5th century BCE. Perched high up on a hill, offering breathtaking views of the nearby Gulf of Castellammare, the temple and nearby ancient theater are testimony to the ancient people of Segesta who were known as Elymians.

From how I go about recording my podcasts, to great Italian Renaissance art in England, to where to stay in Sicily, to the similarities between Michelangelo's unfinished "Entombment" and Pontormo's "Capponi Altarpiece," to Parmigianino's ceiling in Fontanellato, to where Michelangelo got his talent, and much, much more - this episode answers the very questions that you ask me about the great art, artists, and history of the Italian Renaissance.