Set on the Arno River in the midst of hills covered with olive groves, vineyards and cypresses, Florence is known as the cradle of the Italian Renaissance, a period of exceptional artistic and intellectual activity. Under the aegis of the wealthy Medici family, Florence's most famous patrons, artists such as Donatello, Michelangelo, Ghirlandaio, Botticelli and Vasari produced their great masterpieces. As the banking center of early Europe, Florence was home not only to wealthy patron families, but to innovations in banking and accounting practices. Today, Florence retains the indelible imprint of her great artists and geniuses, and the magic of this most fascinating Italian town pervades daily life. As Brunelleschi's towering dome dominates the city and the Tuscan countryside, so does Florence dominate Italy's cultural life.
Students are responsible for reading assignments and class attendance.
Tutors provided by the Centro Linguistico Italiano Dante Alighieri will assist Holy Cross students in studying for and successfully completing exams. Holy Cross students with a high level of training in studio arts have, on occasion, been invited to apply to the Scuola del Nudo , which is affiliated to the Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze , a world known Institute for the applied arts. Courses in Nude Drawing and Lithography are offered, and students are required to take final examinations at the end of the year. Application materials must be sent to the Director, Doctor Domenico Viggiano, by March 15th. Students with training in music and voice can apply to the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole .