I will be going to Italy in 2 weeks with stops in Rome, Naples/Pompeii, Florence, Siena, and Greater Tuscany. I was wondering if anyone has recommendations on any videos [can be on youtube, Netflix, PBS, anywhere, ect] that would be good pre trip viewing. I’d be most interested in stuff concerning Roman and Renaissance history but I’m game for anything. I’d just love to know a little more general history considering how rich of a history Italy has.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
12037 posts
start here
Posted by
white plains, ny, usa
4176 posts
For Florence , this PBS documentary on the construction of Santa Maria Del Fiori will expand your appreciation and understanding to a degree that no tour guide can match - https://youtu.be/kkBaxFuh40E . This video essay by the historian Simon Schama , will give you a broad understanding of the works ( both sculpture - see The Borghese Gallery , and architecture - visit St Peters ) of Gian Lorenzo Bernini - https://youtu.be/y9nbDXdmLaE . You will be well served by both of these essays , Enjoy !
Posted by
Chicago
8228 posts
Try the Globe Trekker videos
Posted by
USA
285 posts
Sarah Murdock did Rick Steves' packing light video for women, and is a RS tour guide in Italy. Her site gives links to all her videos and more.
Posted by
Guernsey
741 posts
For Roman history google Mary Beard. Think was on the bbc that she did some fantadtic documentaries.
Posted by
Washington, the State
107 posts
Not a video, but I found Rick Steves "Europe 101" book to be really valuable. It's an entertaining, brief, yet thorough overview of history, art, and architecture that I read before our Heart of Italy tour. Enhanced my understanding of what I was seeing and learning while there.