Hearts, Halos & Holy Places: Six Churches Celebrating Six Extraordinary Women is a unique pilgrimage through Rome that honors six female saints who have shaped the spiritual and cultural fabric of Europe. Each church on this itinerary is selected for its connection—through relics, historical ties, or artistic representations—to these exceptional women, all recognized as Doctors of the Church or Patronesses of Europe. From Saint Bridget’s residence in Campo de’ Fiori to the resting place of Saint Catherine of Siena at Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, and Bernini’s portrayal of Saint Teresa of Avila in Santa Maria della Vittoria, this journey illuminates how the lives of holy women continue to inspire faith, intellect, and artistic legacy. Whether through martyrdom, mysticism, philosophy, or music, these saints offer pilgrims a deeper encounter with the feminine voice of sanctity echoing through sacred spaces in the Eternal City.

Much as the informed tourist seeks to discover the best gelateria, pizza or selfie spot in Rome, so religious pilgrims sought out relics. The odd bits of clothing, hair or bone belonging to one of the celebrities of the Heavenly chorus, was as exciting as an autograph from a movie or sports star today. Today they are curiosities to some, repugnant to others, but there are still many faithful who find meaning inside those ubiquitous reliquaries in Rome. This lecture will explore the raucous world of relics - what they are, what are their types, and what to do with them. We'll look at robberies, realities, and reverence with a special focus on the key relics for Rome's Jubilee years. We'll talk about provenance and devotions, but also their importance for the history of art, and most pertinently, how to talk to either believers or doubters about the "thorny" question of Roman relics.

The Caravaggio exhibition at Palazzo Barberini in Rome offers a compelling journey into the dramatic world of the Italian Baroque master. Set within the elegant and historically rich walls of the palace, the exhibition showcases a curated selection of Caravaggio’s most iconic works, emphasizing his revolutionary use of light and shadow. Visitors are invited to explore the intense realism and emotional depth that characterize his paintings, which have left an indelible mark on the history of art. This carefully arranged display not only highlights the technical brilliance of Caravaggio but also provides insight into the cultural and historical context of his era, making it a significant event for art enthusiasts and scholars alike.

The Holy Father is ill, war still looms, uncertainty reigns, why are we talking about Jubilees? Pope Francis titled the Jubilee Year of 2025 as the Year of Hope, a perfect guide to understanding not only this year but the 27 other Holy Years that have preceded it. This talk will look at the origin of the Jubilee, its impact on Rome and on the Catholic faith as well as its importance for the history of art. Liz Lev will share some amazing stories, introduce some remarkable characters and show some beautiful art while discussing Everything You Ever Wanted to KNow About the Jubilee But Were Afraid to Ask, this Monday, March 3, at 2:00pmET. The talk will last 40 minutes with plenty of time for your questions afterwards.

“This talk will take us out of Rome, travelling North, to explore three important Etruscan cities, Cerveteri, Tarquinia and Vulci that were part of the Etruscan dodecapolis (twelve cities), the Etruscan federation of the most important cities of Etruria During the talk we will be able to better understand this amazing civilization as each city had its own peculiarity. But maybe, also wetting your appetite for day tips out of the crowds"

Free Live Lecture on June 26th 2023

Free Live Lecture May 8th 2023 at 2pm ET (8pm Italy) with Livia Galante