Montrose Goes to Italy
Juniors, seniors and chaperones benefit from their study abroad trip, In the Footsteps of Dante.
Thirty-seven Montrose juniors and seniors recently returned from the unique Montrose biannual study abroad trip, In the Footsteps of Dante. Read about their adventures at the Montrose Italy blog.
The girls and their chaperones prepared all year for this immersion experience, attending frequent evening seminars in addition to their regular schoolwork. In the seminars, the girls studied the history of medieval and Renaissance Florence, Dante’s Divine Comedy, and the art of Florence, Siena and Rome. As they traveled through Italy, they had the opportunity to see the subjects of their study in real life. "We were astounded to see the originals of the works we have studied since our 8th grade Medieval and Renaissance history classes," student bloggers Monica Stack '15, Katrin O'Grady '15 and Madeline Reilly '15 noted.
After a day trip to Siena, the student bloggers reported:
Now, with maps in hand, we were free to explore the city. We were encouraged to use our four hours to get a bite to eat at a café, visit the Museo de Opera, stop in the small stores lining the streets, or meander the traditional Sienese neighborhoods. Some saw an Italian wedding ceremony and cheered for the bride; others explored a medieval cave. One group of seniors had a particularly moving experience while talking to a 90-year old nun in the church housing the incorruptible body of Savina Patrelli.
Another student blog entry, titled "Adventures and Anachronisms," narrated the events of one of the group's days exploring Florence:
This beautiful day began with a visit to San Lorenzo, the basilica of the Medici family. Surrounding the Basilica are the Medici palace, the Medici private chapel, and the Medici library. However, the chapel isn't just any chapel; it is "the most ornate chapel you will ever see in your life," according to Prof. Alvis.
Buon viaggio, girls!
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The girls and their chaperones prepared all year for this immersion experience, attending frequent evening seminars in addition to their regular schoolwork. In the seminars, the girls studied the history of medieval and Renaissance Florence, Dante’s Divine Comedy, and the art of Florence, Siena and Rome. As they traveled through Italy, they had the opportunity to see the subjects of their study in real life. "We were astounded to see the originals of the works we have studied since our 8th grade Medieval and Renaissance history classes," student bloggers Monica Stack '15, Katrin O'Grady '15 and Madeline Reilly '15 noted.
After a day trip to Siena, the student bloggers reported:
Our first stop as a group was the Piazza Publica (Compo). Professor David Alvis, instructor on the trip, lectured on the history and architecture of the area. Then we entered the Museo Civico and analyzed the Ambrogio Lorenzetti's fresco depicting good and bad governments and their effects. We engaged with Prof. Alvis in interpreting the virtues and vices of the two governments and the resulting triumph or downfall.
Now, with maps in hand, we were free to explore the city. We were encouraged to use our four hours to get a bite to eat at a café, visit the Museo de Opera, stop in the small stores lining the streets, or meander the traditional Sienese neighborhoods. Some saw an Italian wedding ceremony and cheered for the bride; others explored a medieval cave. One group of seniors had a particularly moving experience while talking to a 90-year old nun in the church housing the incorruptible body of Savina Patrelli.
Another student blog entry, titled "Adventures and Anachronisms," narrated the events of one of the group's days exploring Florence:
This beautiful day began with a visit to San Lorenzo, the basilica of the Medici family. Surrounding the Basilica are the Medici palace, the Medici private chapel, and the Medici library. However, the chapel isn't just any chapel; it is "the most ornate chapel you will ever see in your life," according to Prof. Alvis.
San Lorenzo was a stark contrast to Santa Croce, which we visited Tuesday. Brunelleshci's genius was manifested in his incredible use of perspective. Everything was precisely proportioned and geometrically organized. The altar was the focus, and other chapels and frescos, while beautiful, did not detract from the most important part of the church.
Mass today was unique. For one, it was in English. Secondly, we celebrated in a 1000 year old chapel just a mile from the villa. Oh yeah, and here's the anachronism we mentioned - the priest made use of his iPhone to read the English version of the Mass. Montrosians were able to fully participate in the Mass through readings and songs. Maddie Crump '15 cantored, and Monica Stack '15 and Monica Fernandez '14 lectored.
Mass today was unique. For one, it was in English. Secondly, we celebrated in a 1000 year old chapel just a mile from the villa. Oh yeah, and here's the anachronism we mentioned - the priest made use of his iPhone to read the English version of the Mass. Montrosians were able to fully participate in the Mass through readings and songs. Maddie Crump '15 cantored, and Monica Stack '15 and Monica Fernandez '14 lectored.
Buon viaggio, girls!
An independent school for girls in grades 6-12
Inspired by the teachings of the Catholic Church
Inspired by the teachings of the Catholic Church
