Exciting news for citizens of the world
For some thirty years now, our team has been working with people from across the United States and around the world, creating global travel programs to help transform individuals and organizations. We have heard from thousands of travelers about how our programs have changed their lives. And just as lives have been changed by global travel, global travel has been changing.
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Recent news from around the world
Splendid Ancient Roman Frescos
Reopening on July 1, 2010, frescoes from the Villa Farnesina, an Augustan era Roman villa, can be seen in new splendor at the Palazzo Massimo Alle Terme, one of the most fascinating museums in Rome. The extensive collection of frescoes has been cleaned. New lighting and presentation creates an unprecedented capacity to appreciate the detail and overall impact of these rooms. Dedicated to ancient Roman art, this museum includes the famous statue of Augustus as Pontifex Maximus, the Roman copy of the original Greek statue “Aphrodite crouching,” and an extensive collection of Roman mosaics and frescoes, including an intact triclinium from Livy’s Villa. The museum is ideal for groups studying classical art as well as for groups exploring the socio-cultural-religious context of early Christianity. Learn more
Model of Ancient Jerusalem
The Model of Jerusalem in the late 2nd temple period is on display at the Israel Museum. For years, groups used to gather to see this impressive model at a hotel in Jerusalem. It has been relocated near the Shrine of the Book at the Israel Museum and offers a great setting for groups wanting to gain a comprehensive perspective of Jerusalem during this historical period. The Museum has a website with an interactive option so that the model can be viewed in a classroom or seminar session in the USA prior to departure. The Museum has just announced the reopening of its major galleries with new presentation of artifacts and didactic materials relating their relevance. Learn more
Three Faiths Spain
For groups exploring the heritage of three faiths in southern Spain, updated information includes links to important resources for exploring Jewish, Christian and Muslim heritage, include the Sephardic Museum in Toledo, the Museum of Three Civilizations in Cordoba, the Granada Mosque, and an often overlooked treasure in Madrid, the Archaeological Museum which houses artifacts from the long history of the Iberian peninsula – including the treasures from these three faith traditions and special events that include live recreation of characters from Spain’s rich history.
Roman Terrace Houses in Ephesus
Don’t miss the newly excavated and recently opened Terrace Houses in Ephesus. These opulent Roman villas include a massive triclinium (dining room), mosaic-floored courtyards, frescoed bedrooms, a large basilica reception hall and many other rooms, corridors and living spaces. The villas require a special entrance fee/ticket. Archaeologists have created a unique raised walkway that provides a bird’s-eye view of these impressive monuments. Visiting the villas is an evocative experience and helps people gain an appreciation for the life and institutions of the people who lived here. See some YouTube videos of the villas:
Image of St. Paul in Roman Catacomb
The oldest known representation of St. Paul was recently found in the catacombs of St. Thecla on the Via Ostiense (not far from the great Roman basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls). The image, dating from the 4th century, was found by archaeologists recently working in the catacomb (not open to the public). Learn more.
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Opening of Catacomb of St. Pretestato in Rome
In the article about the discovery of the earliest image of St. Paul (above), Fabrizio Bisconti, archaeological superintendent of the Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archaeology, noted that they are from two to three years away from opening the Catacomb of St. Pretestato to the public. Pretestato is known for the incredible number of impressive carved sarcophagi. These are important as they provide an impressive and extensive window into the development of some of the earliest Christian art. Many of these sarcophagi (from Pretestato and other locations in and around Rome) are already on display in the Pio-Christian section of the Vatican Museums. Contact us to learn about how to incorporate a viewing of these sarcophagi in your visit to Rome.
Detailed image of the Good Shepherd Sacrophagus taken from the Catacomb of St. Pretestato and now part of the Pio-Christian section of the Vatican Museum.
Jerusalem Archaeological Park and the Davidson Center
A new archaeological park has opened adjacent to the Western Wall and the Temple Mount Excavations. The park includes The Davidson Center with interactive exhibits and reconstructions of various historical epochs in Jerusalem. The site provides an excellent opportunity for people to explore the history of Jerusalem and to understand the various religious traditions that have left their mark here. The website for the new site is: http://www.archpark.org.il/intro.asp
The much beloved model of Jerusalem during the 2nd Temple period has been moved to the Israel Museum where a spectacular setting next to the Shrine of the Book allows visitors to Jerusalem to better understand historical sites they see in the city. Learn more
World Youth Day - Madrid - 2011
Pope Benedict XVI has invited young people to join in Madrid for World Youth Day 2011. The dates of the event are August 15-21, 2011. World Youth Day has become a popular event that allows young people to deepen their faith by participating in catechetical sessions as well as experience the universality of the Church by getting to know young Catholics from around the world, learning about the hopes and challenges of living the Christian faith in the modern world. The location of the event for 2011 is conducive to bringing young people to other places of great historical and religious significance in Spain and adjacent countries. Learn more.
Barcelona's Iconic Sagrada Familia to be Finally Roofed
Barcelona's emblematic monument, La Sagrada Familia, will soon have a roof. It has been 125 years since Antoni Gaudi began the project. By 2010, the church is expected to be complete roofed. The Cathedral is a breathtaking vision come to life of Gaudi's architectural, artistis and spiritual philosophies. Learn more
Google Earth - Ancient Rome in 3D
Google Earth has launched an ambitious project of recreating the buildings and monuments of ancient Rome in 3D. The site is impressive and allows viewers to gain an appreciation for the layout of Rome and the look of its major buildings and neighborhoods. While there is no substitute for the experience of actually being in the Roman Forum, standing on the edge of the Circus Maximus, standing inside the Pantheon or descending into 1st and 2nd century buildings under Roman churches, the site promises to be a fabulous teaching tool for those bringing groups to Rome. Learn more.
We believe the world could use a dose of friendly, positive change. Guiding travelers on journeys to places that have inspired change in human history motivates us to offer the most skilled, precise, and experienced travel service available—Illume.
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