SotA field trip to Rome
Philosophy student Peggy Fitzgerrald reports back from the SotA field trip to Rome.
The School of the Arts trip to Rome was an amazing opportunity for students interested in Architecture, Philosophy, and English Literature to explore their interests in a city packed with culture.
We spent our time in Rome seeing the famous sites including a day trip visiting the Colosseum and The Roman Forum where we learnt about the history of Rome. We learnt that 60,000 to 100,000 people were involved in the construction of the Colosseum! We were also taken on a walking tour of The Spanish Steps, The Trevi fountain, The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs, The Palazzo Barberini Galleria Nazionale D'Arte Antica, The Chiesa di San Carlino alle Quattro Fontane and the Pantheon. This was led by the knowledgeable lecturers at the University of Liverpool which gave the students an insight into religion within a different culture as well as the history of the Roman Gods. We also past the Keats - Shelly house and some students went inside and also visited the grave of John Keats.
The students also packed lots into their free time. We spent one day in the area of Trastevere which is a bohemian Neighbourhood in Rome. This reminded me of Monti which was close by to where we were staying, however, it seemed to have a more local feel. We first explored the area, going into vintage shops and art galleries and ended up sitting on some steps in Piazza di Santa Maria with an Aperol spritz, (the best of the trip in my opinion), before going into Basilica of Santa Maria close by. This is one of the oldest churches in Rome, dating back to the 340s, and I believe it was also one of the most beautiful with intricate gold carvings that covered the ceiling. Of course, we also visited the Vatican on our free day in Rome.
We saw St. Peter's Basilica, The Sistine Chapel, Castel Sant' Angelo and Saint Peter's Square. A favourite afternoon in Rome was spent in Villa Borghese which is located on Pincian Hill. Here, we sat and relaxed as we watched people row on the boats.
The evenings were spent eating some delicious Roman food including carbonara, cacio e pepe, pizza al taglio, foccacia sandwiches and lots of great gelato (I always opted for the pistachio)! We also explored Rome's nighlife which consisted of bustling bars with crowds of people stood outside, for example, Cafe Peru. We also visited Gregory’s jazz bar where we listened to an extremely talented band consisting of pianists, drummers and trumpeters.
Overall, Rome era bellissima! I would highly recommend the School of the Arts trips abroad as they provide an opportunity to gain a different insight into your subject as well as the opportunity to make amazing memories and friends who have similar interests.
By Peggy Fitzgerrald
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