In this episode, we explore Rome’s dramatic transformation from a papal city to the capital of a unified Italy. Starting with the 1883 master plan, we examine how modern urban projects like the Lungotevere embankments reshaped the city while sacrificing historic neighborhoods. From debates on “building thinning” to balancing ancient ruins with modern needs, we uncover how Rome became a city of layers, blending past and future. Discover the tension between progress and preservation in a city where history is always present.

In this episode, we explore Luigi Moretti’s visionary architecture, blending Baroque dynamism with mid-20th-century avant-garde art. Known for his striking designs, Moretti treated buildings as more than structures—they were experiences. From fragmented facades inspired by Art informel to the dramatic play of light recalling Caravaggio, Moretti challenged perceptions of space and stability. We delve into how his works, like Casa Albergo and Villa Saracena, redefined architecture as a dialogue between emotion, innovation, and tradition.

In this episode, we explore the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument in Rome, often nicknamed “The Wedding Cake” or “The Typewriter.” Built to celebrate Italian unification, this massive structure embodies national pride, architectural ambition, and ideological struggles. From its Beaux-Arts style and symbolic placement near the Roman Forum to its later appropriation by Mussolini, the Vittoriano reflects the complexities of Italy’s identity. We delve into its construction, controversies, and how monuments shape our understanding of history and power.

In this episode, we delve into Roberto Rossellini’s Rome, Open City, a groundbreaking film that captured the raw aftermath of Nazi occupation and the resilience of the human spirit. Credited with launching Italian Neorealism, the film blends real locations, non-professional actors, and a documentary feel to portray resistance. We discuss Rossellini’s complex use of fascist-era techniques to deliver an anti-fascist message, the role of faith, and how characters like Don Pietro and Pina embody defiance, unity, and sacrifice in the face of oppression.

In this episode, we explore Cronaca Bizantina, a bold literary journal that captured the energy and upheaval of late 19th-century Rome. Under the savvy publisher Angelo Sommaruga, the journal became a platform for rising stars like Gabriele D’Annunzio and celebrated writers like Giosuè Carducci. Blending art, scandal, and politics, Cronaca Bizantina navigated the clash between tradition and modernity, making waves with its provocative stories and public feuds. Discover how this short-lived publication left an indelible mark on Rome’s cultural landscape.

In this episode, we explore the Benziger Brothers’ pivotal role in shaping American Catholic visual culture from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. Known for outfitting churches with everything from stained glass to statues, Benziger helped create an accessible and distinctly American Catholic aesthetic. We discuss how their catalog evolved with cultural shifts, blending tradition with modernity, and how they navigated debates about authenticity and mass production. Discover how one company’s vision left a lasting mark on the visual language of American faith.

In this episode, we explore the world of Catholic kitsch, from mass-produced Saint Sulpice statues to quirky bobblehead nuns. These seemingly simple objects spark debate about art, taste, and faith. Once dismissed as overly sentimental, Catholic kitsch is now seen by some as a way to connect with tradition and create personal expressions of devotion. We dive into the history, cultural shifts, and layers of meaning in religious kitsch, questioning what these objects reveal about faith, identity, and the evolving line between sacred and secular.

In this episode, we dive into the thriving sacred art market of 19th-century Rome, where religious paintings and sculptures were produced and shipped worldwide. Orchestrated by Pope Pius IX, artists like Pietro Gagliardi created works that carried both beauty and spiritual power, enhanced by papal blessings and indulgences. Through partnerships with influential patrons, such as the Jesuits, Rome became the global hub for Catholic art, exporting faith and religious iconography to parishes across Europe, the Americas, and beyond.

In this episode, we explore 19th-century Mexico’s strategic choice to look to Rome for inspiration in shaping its national art scene. Following independence, Mexico funded artists to study at Rome’s Accademia di San Luca, seeking to adopt its techniques while crafting a unique Mexican identity. Figures like Pellegrín Clavé and Manuel Vilar brought back not only skills but a vision that merged Mexican and Roman styles. This cultural exchange reveals how art served as both a bridge and a statement of national pride, blending legacy and innovation.

In this episode, we explore the bold ideas of architect Marcello Piacentini, who sought to balance the preservation of Rome’s historical beauty with the demands of modern urban development. His 1916 essay envisioned a layered Rome, where the ancient, medieval, and modern cities coexist harmoniously. We dive into his ambitious plans for green spaces, transportation, and urban expansion while preserving the soul of the city. Discover how Piacentini’s vision still resonates today in our approach to modernizing historical cities.