Italy and the Arts

In the Tuscan hills, a medieval castle stands — but not all is as it seems. This is the story of John Temple Leader, an eccentric 19th-century Englishman who rebuilt Vincigliata as a Gothic dream. Inspired by medievalism, the Oxford Movement, and the theories of Viollet-le-Duc, Leader turned ruins into a romantic stage set, filled with antiques and imagined history. Was it preservation or invention? As the castle shifted from private fantasy to wartime prison and beyond, it became a monument to

In this episode, we dive into the complex life of a concept: the Renaissance. Far from being a stable period label, the Renaissance was constructed both from within—by thinkers like Petrarch and Vasari—and later by historians like Burckhardt, who saw it as the cradle of modern critical judgment. But is this narrative still viable?We explore how the Renaissance became both a cultural canon and a historiographical puzzle, questioned by medievalists, feminists, and social historians alike. Despite its

What if cities could be read like books, their streets and buildings inscribed with hidden histories? In this episode, we explore Italo Calvino’s Invisible Cities and the idea of the urban palimpsest through Zaira—a city defined not by its monuments but by the memories embedded in its spaces. Using this lens, we rethink how to experience Italian cities, from the Colosseum’s battle scars to Florence’s worn staircases. Discover how slowing down and looking closer can reveal the unseen layers of

In this episode, we explore Italo Calvino’s Invisible Cities through the lens of Bauci, a fictional city perched on stilts, where inhabitants observe the world from a distance. This becomes a powerful metaphor for how Italy is often experienced—curated, romanticized, and viewed from afar. From tourist hotspots to theme park replicas, we examine how “Bauci Syndrome” shapes perceptions of Italy, disconnecting visitors from its lived reality. Join us as we discuss ways to step off the stilts and engage

In this episode, we explore Italo Calvino’s Invisible Cities, focusing on Leandra and its two types of guardian spirits: the Lares and the Penates. Representing the tension between tangible and intangible heritage, these mythological figures debate whether a city’s true essence lies in its physical structures or the people who inhabit it. We draw parallels to Italy’s cultural identity, where the weight of history coexists with a vibrant, ever-evolving present. Join us as we unpack Calvino’s vision

In this episode, we unravel the complex legacy of the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, better known as the Square Colosseum. Originally designed as a fascist showpiece for the 1942 World’s Fair, it now serves as the headquarters of luxury fashion house Fendi. How does a structure born from authoritarian ideals become a beacon of high fashion? We explore the building’s symbolism in architecture, cinema, and contemporary culture, questioning whether its restoration represents preservation,

Explore the life and legacy of Michelangelo, the divine artist who redefined sculpture and painting. From his youthful masterpiece, the Pietà, to the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel ceiling, Michelangelo’s works embody the miracle of creation and human emotion. This episode examines his groundbreaking approach to the human form, his complex relationship with spirituality and identity, and his enduring influence across centuries. Discover how Michelangelo shaped art history, turning marble and fresco