Salve, UT San Antonio! 

This week has been an exciting and adventurous one for UT San Antonio’s College of Liberal and Fine Arts’ students abroad. Trekking outside of Urbino, the class made their way to the heart of Italy: Rome. This Roman adventure allowed students to experience wonders of the ancient world, such as the Pantheon. Students have embraced this lively city by adopting the famous saying: “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

The busy city streets do not take away from Rome’s old-world culture at all. In fact, the boisterous nature of the busy city only makes the history more enthralling. Stepping inside the Vatican Museums proves that the passing of time only increases the lively city’s beauty. These museums house major works of art such as “The School of Athens” by Rafaello Sanzio and “The Creation of Adam” by Michelangelo Buonarroti; it also has accumulated artifacts from the Ancient cultures of Greece, Egypt and China. 

Modernity sits on every corner of Rome; however, pieces of the old world prevail throughout the city. Exploring the Colosseum and walking through the ancient Roman Forum makes one feel as if the once infamous empire never fell. Despite a history washed in blood, being within the walls of this “world wonder” serves as a place of reflection for many. Standing in the center of the massive structure brings to mind the many lives lost for entertainment’s sake. 

In contrast, the Roman Forum showcases the elegant lives of the ancient people. Their architecture was grand, and their lives artistically influenced. It is apparent that this civilization valued nature and lived in tandem with the land, regardless of how grand their palaces and temples were. Although most ancient Roman buildings within the forum are nothing but ruins now, it is clear to see their values based on what they left behind.

All in all, Roman culture prevails within the beloved city through the food, culture and architecture. COLFA students were able to dive into history to make one very important observation: power does not mean longevity. What was once the Roman Empire is now a piece of the beloved country known as Italy. The history of Rome allows everyone to heed the warnings of what overexpansion and greed causes — why those attributes should be avoided in any nation, empire or kingdom. Rome stands as a warning that power can always be replaced. 

Next week, COLFA will be studying the city of Perugia. Tag along again next week and learn more about the beloved country of Italy! Follow @lettersfromurbino on Instagram to check out exclusive pictures of COLFA’s adventures abroad. 

Arrivederci studentesse!