Savremena’s students have recently returned from their first study trip to the Eternal City of Rome, where they visited Lido di Jesolo, San Marino and Rimini.
Although the trip to Italy was primarily educational, it was a great opportunity for the students and the teachers to get to know each other better and solidify their friendships.
Let the Adventure Begin
The fun began as soon as the bus left Belgrade. Joined by their teachers, the students laughed, sang and played the guitar to shorten the long journey to Lido di Jesolo. Savremena’s students, who proved capable of making a good atmosphere, sang along to the sounds of Viktor and Stefan’s guitars.
Upon arrival in Lido di Jesolo, the students toured this small, but charming place, and had the chance to try out some of the best-known Italian delicacies.
Savremena’s Students in Ancient Rome
On the second day, the students headed to Rome, the city they had learned a lot about in history, Latin and art classes. During their three-day stay in the Eternal City, the students could experience the things they had learned about by visiting Rome’s best known sights: The Roman Forum, Trajan’s Column, the Pantheon and the Colosseum, as well as other ancient cultural and historical landmarks.
A walk along Rome’s most beautiful squares, including Piazza Navona, Piazza Venezia and Campo dei Fiori, showed the students that Rome is not just a city, but a museum boasting some of the finest works of Renaissance and Baroque masters.
The students were most excited by the sheer size of the monument built in honor of Vittorio Emanuele II, the first Italian king, while the beauty of the Trevi Fountain left them breathless. They were particularly excited about the coin throwing tradition, where you throw two coins into the fountain – one makes your wishes come true and the other guarantees another visit to Rome.
Visiting the Papal State
A visit to Rome would not be complete without visiting the world’s smallest state – the Vatican. Accompanied by a tour guide, the students became acquainted with the history of the Papal State and visited St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, as well as the museums in the Vatican.
The students had the opportunity to see some of the greatest works of art, including antique sculptures, ancient maps and tapestries hanging on gallery walls, as well as the magnificent Sistine Chapel, painted by the greatest Renaissance artists, including Michelangelo, who painted the The Creation of Adam and The Last Judgment frescos on the chapel’s famous ceiling.
Having fun – Italian Style
Apart from visiting museums and ancient monuments, the students enjoyed the music of the buskers in the bohemian Trastevere neighborhood, whose name literally means “beyond the Tiber”. In the historic district crammed with narrow streets, taverns and souvenir shops, the students were delighted after tasting the best Italian pizza.
Savremena’s students also walked along the famous Via del Corso and saw for themselves that fashion is an integral part of Italian culture. Tourists mustn’t leave Rome without having a taste of the famous Italian ice cream and the students were particularly delighted by this activity.
Final Activity: Leisure at the Beach
On the final day of their journey, the students visited San Marino. On the fortress that offers a beautiful view, they learned about the legend of Saint Marinus, who found refuge on Mount Titan, where he built a church that became the foundation of the modern-day city.
The students spent the final night of their journey in Rimini, where they sang and talked about their impressions from the beach.
Memories for a Lifetime
This trip brought many great memories to the students who got to know one another better and whose adventures will be discussed for many years to come.
To commemorate their first trip, Savremena’s students brought a souvenir with a sign that said, “Veni, vidi, vici”.