Four documentaries created by RAI Culture (Italian public television) explore the regions of the Alto Adige, Umbria, Abruzzo, and Basilicata. The viewer is treated to breathtaking landscapes, and the narrator provides historical background to the many architecturally significant places that are visited. Richly ornamented Romanesque churches are featured, including places associated with St. Francis of Assisi (1181/2 - 1226).
Difficulty: Intermediate
Italy
The Abruzzo Region, sometimes known as the Abruzzi with an i in older publications, is the area of interest for this six-segment video. This segment concentrates on the Piccolomini Castle in Marsica.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Italy
Highlights include a church straddling the Romanesque and Gothic in Celano, and Massa d'Albe (the Roman city of Alba Fucens), where there is an amphitheater excavated from rock. The word arena comes from the Latin word harena, or sand. Sand was used on arena floors to catch the blood lost during gladiator games and the like.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Italy
The segment highlights two medieval churches near the ancient site of Alba Fucens. Both churches display ornamental facings made from pieces of colored marble that are intricately pieced together, what is known as Cosmatesque work.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Italy
Abruzzo churches built by order of Saint Francis of Assisi (1226–1330) or dedicated to him, are featured in this segment.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Italy
The segment features the Oratory of San Pellegrino and the Church of St. Mary of the Assumption in Bominaco. These, together with the Marian church in nearby Fossa, are considered the finest examples of Medieval art and architecture in the Abruzzo Region.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Italy
The tour of the Abruzzo Region concludes with sights near l'Aquila, the region's capital.
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