Understanding Europe-A Cultural Mosaic: Understanding Europe- A Cultural Mosaic By Lila Doma and Liz Grau Indiana University West European Studies Office


Southern Europe: Southern Europe


Southern Europe- Rest Stop: Southern Europe- Rest Stop Can you imagine a world without paved roads? Even more strange, what about a city built on water? In Venice, Italy, a system of canals creates transportation for the water-logged citizens. Venetians travel from one part of the a-MAZE-ing city by either foot or boat. Water taxis, water buses… Guess the purpose of the vehicle in this next picture.


Traveling By Gondola : Traveling By Gondola


The Streets of Venice: The Streets of Venice


A Garden in Venice : A Garden in Venice


Doing Laundry in Venice: Doing Laundry in Venice


Delivering Mail in Venice: Delivering Mail in Venice


Taking out the Trash!: Taking out the Trash!


A Cheese Market in Italy: A Cheese Market in Italy


A Fish Market in Venice: A Fish Market in Venice


A Flower Shop in Venice: A Flower Shop in Venice


Soccer Players in Venice: Soccer Players in Venice


Graffiti In Venice? : Graffiti In Venice?


Graffiti In Venice? : Graffiti In Venice?


The City of LOVE : The City of LOVE


Southern Europe- Rest Stop: Southern Europe- Rest Stop Venetian glass is one of the major artifacts that can be found in Venice. The island of Murano is known for its superb glass blown pieces. When visiting Murano, it is easy to catch glass-blowing shows. Glass is stored at 1800 degrees F. It is taken in big chunks and shaped by using tools to stretch and mold the glass. After the shape is formed, the glass is cooled in a 24-hour process. It is first stored at temperatures around 1000 degrees F and then throughout the cycle eventually reduced to room temperature. Let’s just say the room got pretty hot!


Glass Blowing in Murano : Glass Blowing in Murano


Southern Europe- Rest Stop: Southern Europe- Rest Stop The Renaissance was a rebirth that occurred throughout most of Europe. However, the changes that we associate with the Renaissance first occurred in the Italian city of Florence. The city's economy and its writers, painters, architects, and philosophers all made Florence a model of Renaissance culture. Look at the following pictures. What remains of the Renaissance in Florence today?


Brunalleschi’s Golden Doors : Brunalleschi’s Golden Doors


David : David


St. Maria Novella: St. Maria Novella


Old and New in Florence: Old and New in Florence


Southern Europe- Rest Stop: Southern Europe- Rest Stop For six decades, Florentine architects worked on the Cathedral…or the Duomo. Atop of the Duomo is the Cupola that overlooks the entire city of Florence. Brunalleschi and Giotto are two of the masterminds behind this venture. While climbing the 460 something steps to the top of the Cupola, a tourist can stop at two different levels on the inside of the Cathedral. The first level provides a spectacular view of the church below. The second level brings you so close to the frescoes at the top of the Cathedral; you can see all the fine details. After viewing the two levels, you climb a little further until you are outside and able to see the most magnificent view of the city. A climb that is definitely worth taking.


Doma and Grau: Doma and Grau


The Famous Gelato: The Famous Gelato


The Duomo: The Duomo


View from atop: View from atop


Breathtaking!: Breathtaking!


The Arno River of Florence!: The Arno River of Florence!


Southern Europe- Rest Stop: Southern Europe- Rest Stop The palace of the Uffizi was at one time one of the most extravagant interior in Florence. At the times of Cosimo and the Medici clan, this building was erected to house 13 judges from Florence who directed the city affairs. Frescoes designed by Botticelli line the walls of this building. 28 sculptures of famous Florentines also are housed here. This palace is a symbol of the importance of the Medici family and their love for art during this time period.


The Uffizi Palace: The Uffizi Palace


Southern Europe- Rest Stop: Southern Europe- Rest Stop Perhaps one of the most amazing day trips to take in Italy is a visit to the Ancient Roman Ruins. These magnificent structures include the Coliseum, the Arch of Constantine, the Pantheon, the Forum, and Palatine Hill…to name a few! The Coliseum was constructed during the years 72-80 A.D. It is an elliptical stadium, and at one time could house over 50,000 spectators. It was here that the gladiators would fight each other, or hunt exotic animals from all over the world. In many pictures the Coliseum looks as though it has deteriorated. This is not true. In fact, about 2/3 of the Coliseum was used to help rebuild churches and other buildings throughout Rome.


The Coliseum: The Coliseum


The Coliseum: The Coliseum


The Coliseum: The Coliseum


The Coliseum: The Coliseum


The Pantheon: The Pantheon


The Pantheon: The Pantheon


Roman Theater: Roman Theater


Roman Ruins: Roman Ruins


The Ruins from a hilltop: The Ruins from a hilltop


The Arch of Constantine: The Arch of Constantine


Construction in Rome: Construction in Rome


Gladiator Performing: Gladiator Performing


Trevi Fountain: Trevi Fountain


Trevi Fountain: Trevi Fountain


Southern Europe- Rest Stop: Southern Europe- Rest Stop The Sistine chapel is known to be one of the greatest works of art. Michelangelo was commissioned by the Pope to paint the ceiling of the chapel. This is where Michelangelo set out to do the impossible: paint an entire ceiling upside down. The ceiling is a lot larger than I had thought it would be. The ceiling took about 4 years to create.


Sistine Chapel Ceiling: Sistine Chapel Ceiling


The Creation: The Creation


Southern Europe- Rest Stop: Southern Europe- Rest Stop Vatican City is an amazing landmark of the Catholic Church, once the mightiest power in Europe. The territory, located on the outskirts of Rome, Italy is actually its own country, with a theocratic government headed by the pope. Perhaps the most breathtaking site to see in Vatican City is the world-famous St. Peter’s Basilica with a brick dome that rises 390 feet above the floor and stunning masterpieces by Raphael and Michelangelo.


Nuns in Vatican City: Nuns in Vatican City


St. Peter’s Basilica : St. Peter’s Basilica


Southern Europe- Rest Stop: Southern Europe- Rest Stop What does a city have to do to get ready for the Olympic games? In Athens, most of the city was under construction to prepare for the mass amount of people visiting for the 2004 summer games. In order to put its best foot forward, even the ancient buildings at Acropolis were getting a facelift!


Construction on the Acropolis: Construction on the Acropolis


Mc Pita in preparation for Olympics: Mc Pita in preparation for Olympics


Getting Ready: Getting Ready


Southern Europe- Rest Stop: Southern Europe- Rest Stop The Acropolis hill, also known as the "Sacred Rock" of Athens, is the most historical site of Athens. Many of Ancient Greece’s most important buildings still stand proud on the hill and date back to 450-330 B.C. The monuments on the Acropolis reflect the many phases of the city's history


The Acropolis Theater: The Acropolis Theater


The View from the Acropolis: The View from the Acropolis


The View from the Acropolis: The View from the Acropolis


Women Statues on Temples: Women Statues on Temples


Western Europe: Western Europe


Western Europe- Rest Stop: Western Europe- Rest Stop One beauty that Austria is known for is it’s spectacular rose gardens. There are over 800 types of roses in these gardens. The months to visit these gardens are May through July. There are many events that occur in the rose gardens including weddings, family gatherings, and other celebrations.


Western Europe- Rest Stop: Western Europe- Rest Stop Vienna has been known for its musical influence across the world, and throughout history. It has been home to Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, and Strauss. These amazing composers have influenced many musical greats. Today, Vienna houses the Philharmonic orchestra, along with many other musical events.


Western Europe- Rest Stop: Western Europe- Rest Stop The Eiffel Tower is noted as the most recognized European monument worldwide. The tower was built in remembrance for the French Revolution and greeted visitors to the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris. What are some other famous monuments? What is their significance? What does that say about the countries that built them?


Western Europe- Rest Stop: Western Europe- Rest Stop When England and France decided to connect their two countries with a 32-mile rail tunnel beneath the English Channel, engineers were faced with a huge challenge. Not only would they have to build one of the longest tunnels in the world; they would have to ensure publics safety in a tunnel this size. $21 billion dollars later, the Chunnel has connected over 40 million passengers from France to England and remains to be one of the greatest engineering feats of modern time.


Western Europe- Rest Stop: Western Europe- Rest Stop Many artists, writers, and other forward-thinkers were lured to Paris in search of academic and artistic freedom during and after World War II. Under the influence of breath-taking views and potent espresso, they managed to create the dramatic tone for the artistic community that dominates Paris today. Can you see why Paris has been such an inspiring city for centuries?