"ONCE A YEAR,
GO SOMEPLACE YOU'VE
NEVER BEEN BEFORE."
Dalai Lama
EVENTS
*These are only descriptions of the events offered throughout the academic year. When you click sign-up you will need to scroll to find the specific event you are searching for.
The exact date of when the Catacombs of San Sebastiano were constructed is unknown. What the historians do know is that the catacombs were built first and the basilica was built subsequently above the catacombs. The catacombs were built mainly as a cemetery for Christians and later during the Christian persecution they were used to hold secret religious meetings.
CATACOMBE OF SAN SEBASTIANO
VITTORIANO
The Kingdom of Italy was proclaimed in 1861 with Victor Emmanuel as king. In 1885 construction of the monument started, designed by Giuseppe Sacconi. The northern slope of the Capitoline Hill was cleared to make way for the monument. Roman ruins and medieval churches were destroyed in the process. The new monument and national symbol of Italy was inaugurated in 1911. The monument is about 260ft high and 390ft wide.
FRASCATI MINARDI FAMILY FARM
We will have a guided tour of the hill top town of Frascati and visit a local vineyard/olive grove where we will have a tasting of local products. Frascati is famous for its notable villas, which were built from the 16th century onwards by Popes, cardinals and Roman nobles as "status symbols" of Roman aristocracy. The villas are substantially well preserved, or have been carefully and authentically restored following damage during World War II.
CAPUCHIN CRYPT
The Capuchin Crypt is a small space comprising several tiny chapels located beneath the church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini on the Via Veneto near Piazza Barberini. It contains the skeletal remains of 3,700 bodies believed to be Capuchin friars buried by their order. The Catholic order insists that the display is not meant to be macabre, but a silent reminder of the swift passage of life on Earth and our own mortality.
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Bone-y Buildings - The human body is rather versatile - like as a building material and decoration. Join the NAC seminarians to visit the Capuchin Crypt during the 8-day "Octave of All-Souls".
SAN CLEMENTE CHURCH
San Clemente Church is located a few blocks away from the Colosseum and it is one of the great ways to see many layers of history in one site. The upper layer of the church is from the 12th to the 15th century, the lower church is from the 4th century and below it is the Mithraic temple and a Roman palazzo from the 1st to the 2nd century.
Roman Foundations - Let's get to the bottom of this. First stop will be the St. John Lateran Basilica which is the Cathedral of Rome (not St. Peter's!). From there it's a short walk to St. Clement's which is 11th C. Church built on top of a 4th C. Church which is built on top of a 2nd C. Pagan Temple and house. Join us as we venture underground to see it all.
BRACCIANO & CASTEL ORSINI-ODESCALCHI
Bracciano is famous for its volcanic lake and for the well-preserved medieval castle. The castle is a noteworthy example of Renaissance military architecture. The historical museum within the castle premises has valuable artwork from the Middle Ages of over six centuries of rule from Popes and Kings, consisting of ancient weapons, furniture and paintings, books and manuscripts, frescoes and decorations.
PAPAL AUDIENCE
The audience is not a mass, but it is a time set aside for pilgrims and visitors to listen to the Pope and receive his apostolic blessing. Audiences usually include an address (in Italian) and short, personalized greetings by the Holy Father in the languages of the pilgrims present.
This is followed by his blessing of those in attendance and of any religious articles that are brought so bring those rosaries and holy images bought in Rome to be blessed!
COOKING CLASS
Join Executive Chef Andrea Consoli for a traditional Roman cooking class in his professional kitchen.
Program Includes:
Live demonstration-style cooking class including the preparation of an appetizer, first course, second course, and dessert.
A dinner follows that includes the dishes prepared in the class.
All the recipes covered in the cooking class will be emailed to you after the class.
LANGUAGE EXCHANGE
The language exchange is a great opportunity to practice your Italian language skills and meet Italian university students. During these meeting you will be able to speak face-to-face conversation with mother tongue native Italians.
YOGA
Come get centered & relieve some stress from your classes. Practicing the postures, breathing exercises and meditation makes you healthier in body, mind and spirit. Pilates offers self-reflection, self-compassion, and continued self-awareness.
PORTA PORTESE
Visit Rome's oldest & most popular second-hand flea market. There are stalls selling everything from rare books & antiques to clothes. It's crazily busy and a lot of fun. Keep your valuables safe and wear you haggling hat.
Cooking Class with Italin Culinary Students
This event takes us to the town on Marino located south east of Rome. This cooking class is particularly special because you will be cooking with professional Chefs and Italian culinary students. A three course meal will follow.This is an exciting new way for students to integrate into the Italian experience and take full advantage of their time on study abroad.
TERME
Come and enjoy the hot springs that once helped Roman pontiffs kick back after a stressful conclave. This fracture in the earth's crust allows hyper-thermal waters to bubble up and soothe you.
JEWISH QUARTER/TRASTEVERE TOUR
It's Kosher and Posher. Over 2000 Years in Rome and counting. Learn about the history of Jews in Rome and beyond, while walking through two of Rome's trendiest neighborhoods.
SOCCER VS. TEMPLE UNIVERSITY
Come learn how to kick it Italian style. This is a great opportunity to get some exercise, make friends with Temple University students, & be a part of Italy's favorite pastime.
GELATAGGIATA
Get a taste of the best of Italy: Delicious free gelato, beautiful churches, and a leisurely afternoon passeggiata (walk) around the beautiful Piazza Navona with the deacons.
ASSISI DAY TRIP
Assisi is a small town in the region of Umbria, which is famous partly because of St. Francis. Assisi is known for its beautify churches, Roman ruins, winding medieval streets, and as a major catholic pilgrimage destination.
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Franciscan Freebie in Assisi - Idyllic Italian hilltop hometown of the arguably most popular saint in the world. In the Spirit of St. Francis' poverty and college students' budgets, this trip is free (includes the coach bus and lunch), so join the NAC seminarians for a peaceful getaway from Rome.
TESTACCIO STREET FOOD TOUR
Testaccio is the original foodie neighborhood of Rome and where "cucina romana" (Roman cuisine) was born. It is no coincidence that it’s known to Romans as the ‘Heart of Rome'. Come and discover the vast array of food at the traditional food market in the Testaccio neighborhood of Rome. Don't miss out on this great (and free!) opportunity to taste the real Rome! Lead by SJU's own Manuela.
TIVOLI DAY TRIP
Villa d’Este was commissioned by Cardinal Ippolito II d'Este. The villa is a baroque masterpiece & it is included in the UNESCO world heritage list. In its gardens, it boasts impressive concentration of fountains, nymphs, grottoes, & water games.
*Fun Fact: Part of the Lizzie McGuire movie was filmed in the villa.
APERITIVO
Come and experience the Italian tradition of Aperitivo! Eating is a great way to experience a culture, especially when it is free! Lead by SJU's own Manuela.
COOKING CLASSES
Do you want to learn easy & delicious recipes? Join Chef Andrea to learn how to create traditional Italian pasta dishes. Who knows maybe you will become SJU Rome’s next Master Chef.
Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls
St. Paul's Outside-the-Walls - Do you like all the churches in Europe? Then come to St. Paul's. Not only is it big and beautiful as the 2nd largest Church in Rome, it's also the burial place of St. Paul, the man who brought Christianity to Europe (so thank him for all the nice churches here!).
The Vatican Underground
Come discover how the Vatican Hill went from a pagan Necropolis outside of downtown ancient Rome to become the Headquarters of the Catholic Church.
