The Lecture

Step into the grandeur of the Italian Renaissance with archaeologist Livia Galante as she leads an illuminating exploration of the Farnese Palace at Caprarola, one of the era’s most extraordinary architectural achievements. This one-hour lecture unveils the palace as both a symbol of dynastic ambition and a masterpiece of design, where Giacomo Barozzi da Vignola’s visionary geometry meets the rich allegorical frescoes of Taddeo and Federico Zuccari. Through Galante’s expert insight, participants will decode the language of architecture, art, and symbolism that conveyed the power, intellect, and prestige of the Farnese family.

Beyond its historic splendor, the lecture also considers the palace’s enduring influence—how the Renaissance ideals of harmony, order, and representation continue to inform contemporary architecture, urban identity, and cultural branding. By the end, listeners will not only appreciate the palace as a jewel of Renaissance artistry but also as a living testament to the timeless dialogue between art, politics, and human aspiration.

Curriculum


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Livia Galante

Dr. Livia Galante is esteemed not only for her extensive archaeological expertise but also for her infectious enthusiasm for the ancient world, earning her the affectionate moniker “Queen of Ostia” among those who have witnessed her animate the remnants of Rome's celebrated port city. With a Doctorate in Archaeology from La Sapienza, Livia has distinguished herself by her ability to breathe life into long-silenced narratives, captivating audiences as she deftly unveils the history etched into Ostia's enigmatic ruins.

More than an academic, Livia embodies a unique synergy of Italian heritage, scholarly rigor, and an unyielding desire to impart the sheer beauty of antiquity to others. Her teaching style is woven with a passion that extends beyond mere facts, encouraging students to engage deeply and personally with the past. Through her guidance, the once vibrant city of Ostia is reimagined, offering new voices and perspectives to learners eager to uncover the dynamic interplay of history and modernity.

Discover more from Livia...

Tivoli Revealed: A Journey Through Villas, Sanctuaries, and Timeless Beauty

This webinar explores four of Tivoli’s most remarkable sites—where history, art, and nature converge. We begin with Hadrian’s Villa, the emperor’s grand estate, inspired by the wonders of the Roman Empire. Then to Villa d’Este, a Renaissance masterpiece where terraced gardens and ingenious fountains express both engineering brilliance and artistic vision. Beyond these icons, we highlight two lesser-known gems: Villa Gregoriana, a dramatic 19th-century park of waterfalls, cliffs, and ancient ruins evoking Romantic sensibilities; and the Sanctuary of Hercules Victor, one of ancient Latium’s most imposing sacred complexes. Together, these sites reveal Tivoli as a place where successive generations shaped the landscape to reflect power, spirituality, and the enduring dialogue between man and nature.

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"Ostia Reimagined: Ancient Echoes, New Voices—Rediscovering Rome’s Port City Through a New Lens"

In 1934, the Ostiense Museum was inaugurated and later reorganized in 1962. After over sixty years and a long closure, the Museum reopened on July 10, 2024, completely reimagined—both in layout and in its approach to accessibility and visitor engagement. The new design includes interactive multimedia features like videos and touchscreens, offering a deeper connection to the artifacts from the Ostia Antica Archaeological Park. The exhibition spans twelve rooms in seven thematic sections: from the city's origins and civic life to religion, domestic spaces, and funerary contexts, including highlights such as the Via della Foce sanctuary and the “philosophers’ space.” Over one hundred pieces underwent specialized restoration, with missing parts left unreconstructed but suggested via metal frameworks to aid interpretation. This evening’s lecture will present the new exhibition, key artifacts, their original contexts, and exciting recent discoveries.

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"Three Etruscan Cities"

“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"

Livia Galante

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