description:

As seat of the Catholic Church and center of a fallen empire, medieval Rome became both a spiritual and cultural destination. This class will investigate the fascination of Rome for early modern Europeans, from medieval pilgrims to Renaissance artists and 18th-century aristocrats studying abroad. In the rituals and artifacts of these travelers, we will trace the development of modern tourism. Objects of study will include medieval and Renaissance guidebooks, the development of the built environment to accommodate visitors, the display of ancient objects, the invention of museums, sacred rituals, secular festivals, and souvenir images and artifacts created for pilgrims and tourists.

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