Roads to Rome

Italian neorealism wasn’t just a film movement—it was a blueprint for a radically different kind of cinema, one grounded in moral conviction rather than spectacle. In this episode, we explore how neorealism’s quiet revolution—its long takes, non-professional actors, and commitment to the everyday—became a framework adopted across the globe. From Bicycle Thieves to Down by Law, from Satyajit Ray’s Bengali villages to Jafar Panahi’s Tehran streets, we trace how filmmakers used neorealism’s human scale to confront social realities with emotional clarity. Drawing on theorists like Siegfried Kracauer and Raymond Williams, we unpack how neorealism prioritised lucidity over neurosis, solidarity over cynicism. This is world cinema not as exotic spectacle, but as ethical encounter.

In 19th-century Rome, artists sought to capture nature’s truth just as photography began to redefine it. This episode explores the tension between brush and lens, from the meticulous landscapes of Giovanni Battista Bassi to the bold experiments of painters working en plein air. Against the backdrop of a transforming city—its ruins, its light, its living history—we uncover how art shifted from recording reality to expressing perception. As photography rose, painting evolved, proving that truth in art lies not in imitation, but in how we learn to see.

In this episode, we unpack Eat Pray Love and its picture-perfect vision of Rome. The film presents the Eternal City as a sun-drenched playground for self-discovery, but does it truly capture its essence? We explore how cinematic techniques create an alluring yet curated version of Rome, catering to a tourist gaze that glosses over the city’s complexities. From romanticized food culture to idealized encounters, we examine what is gained—and lost—when Rome becomes a backdrop for personal reinvention rather than a city with its own rich, living history.

Rome’s grandeur is legendary, but what about the unseen forces that shaped its modern landscape? In this episode, we uncover abusivismo, the phenomenon of illegal construction that redefined the city after World War II. From desperate migrants building makeshift homes to powerful developers exploiting legal loopholes, we explore how nearly 20% of Rome’s built environment emerged outside the law. With corruption, politics, and urban struggle intertwined, discover how Rome’s unofficial architecture tells a story of resilience, survival, and contested space.

In this episode, we explore Pier Paolo Pasolini’s complex relationship with Rome, a city he both revered and rejected. Far from romanticized postcards, his Rome was found in the periphery—shanty towns, council housing, and the raw energy of the ragazzi di vita. Through films like Accattone and Hawks and Sparrows, Pasolini mapped an alternative Rome, exposing the tensions between ancient grandeur and modern consumerism. Discover how his art forces us to look beyond the surface, challenging our perceptions of authenticity, progress, and human struggle.

In this episode, we explore how Italian cinema and fashion redefined Rome’s image on the world stage. From the postwar fascination with Hollywood to the rise of La Dolce Vita, Italian filmmakers and designers crafted a distinct vision of glamour—rooted in authenticity, heritage, and effortless elegance. We uncover how stars like Silvana Mangano and designers like the Fontana sisters blended tradition with modern allure, transforming Rome into the epicenter of style and aspiration. Discover how Italian glamour became a global phenomenon, shaping culture far beyond its borders.

How did postwar Rome transform into a global fashion capital, rivaling even Paris? In this episode, we explore the powerful synergy between film, fashion, and the Made in Italy brand. With Cinecittà Studios attracting major Hollywood productions and Italian designers redefining elegance, Rome became a hub of cinematic glamour and high fashion. From artisan craftsmanship to the city’s visual allure, discover how Rome’s postwar reinvention shaped its enduring status as a style icon on the world stage.

In this episode, we explore how the people of Rome were seen and depicted in the 19th century, caught between the grandeur of their ancient past and the Catholic world’s influence. From romanticized portrayals of the Trastevere neighborhood to photography’s role in shaping a new realism, we uncover how artists, writers, and travelers constructed enduring images of Roman identity. Discover how everyday Romans were both celebrated and misunderstood, and how these narratives continue to shape perceptions of the Eternal City today.

In this episode, we dive into the life and legacy of Palma Bucarelli, the trailblazing director of Rome’s Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna. From safeguarding Italy’s artistic treasures during World War II to championing avant-garde art in a city steeped in tradition, Bucarelli transformed how Rome engaged with modernity. Her daring acquisitions, innovative exhibitions, and unwavering belief in art’s power redefined the role of museums. Discover how this remarkable woman bridged Rome’s historic legacy with the boldness of 20th-century modern art.

In this episode, we uncover the distinct character of Italian pop art, also known as La Scuola di Piazza del Popolo. Emerging alongside American pop art in the 1960s, this movement blended consumer culture with Italy’s rich artistic history. Artists like Renato Mambor and Mario Schifano redefined mass imagery, balancing fascination with critique. Through their artisanal processes and critical engagement, they resisted conformity while exploring themes of individuality, consumerism, and media overload. Discover how Italian pop art continues to resonate in our hypermediated world.

In this episode, we explore Mussolini’s transformation of Rome into a symbol of fascist power, from monumental avenues like Via dei Fori Imperiali to the creation of EUR. Balancing modernism with classical grandeur, architects like Piacentini navigated the tension between progress and tradition. We uncover the human cost of these urban visions, the propaganda woven into everyday spaces, and the subtle acts of resistance that defied the regime’s control. Discover how Rome became both a stage for ideology and a city of resilience, embodying the complexities of its time.

In this episode, we explore how Rome became a battleground of ideas during the rise of fascism in Italy. From the Risorgimento’s vision of a unified capital to the futurists’ disdain for its ruins and Mussolini’s calculated embrace of Romanità, we uncover how the city’s rich symbolism was manipulated to serve competing ideologies. Discover how Rome’s ancient legacy was reframed as a symbol of national strength and modern ambition, shaping its transformation into the stage for Italy’s new political identity.

In this episode, we explore how Mussolini’s vision of a “Third Rome” reshaped the Eternal City during the fascist era. From grand avenues like Via dei Fori Imperiali to the EUR district, Mussolini used architecture to tie ancient Roman glory to modern fascist power. We examine his projects, including demolitions and the uneasy relationship with the Vatican, and consider the ideological and cultural impacts of these transformations. Discover how Rome became a stage for competing visions of history, modernity, and identity, leaving traces still visible today.

In this episode, we venture beyond Rome’s iconic landmarks to uncover the fascinating story of its public housing projects. From the early 20th century courtyard blocks of Testaccio to the whimsical Garbatella and the rationalist Borgate of the fascist era, these neighborhoods reveal the city’s evolving social and architectural ambitions. We explore how styles like neorealism and modernism shaped Rome’s urban fabric, balancing tradition and innovation. Discover a side of Rome that blends history, ideology, and design to redefine its identity in the modern age.

In this episode, we explore Elio Petri’s Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion, a searing critique of authority and corruption set in Rome during Italy’s turbulent Years of Lead. Following a high-ranking police official who murders his lover, the film shifts focus from whodunnit to why justice protects power. Through stark Roman landscapes, political allegory, and a hauntingly ambiguous ending, Petri examines the city as both a stage for systemic flaws and a symbol of enduring power. Discover how this masterpiece remains chillingly relevant today

In this episode, we trace Rome’s transformation from papal stronghold to the capital of a unified Italy. From the revolutionary ideals of 1798 and 1848 to the pivotal breaching of Porta Pia in 1870, we uncover how modernity, migration, and shifting allegiances shaped the Eternal City. Exploring bold reforms, daring uprisings, and the silent revolution brewing beneath the surface, this episode reveals how Rome’s layered history culminated in a dramatic moment of unification, redefining its identity for the modern age.

In this episode, we delve into the transformation of Rome following Italy’s unification in 1870. From the scars at Porta Pia to the monumental Vittoriano, architecture and urban planning became tools for shaping national identity. We examine Quintino Sella’s vision for a modern administrative city, Viviani’s delicate balancing of progress and preservation, and the symbolic placement of structures like the Palace of Justice. Discover how Rome’s layered history became a canvas for the ambitions of a new Italy, weaving past and present into a dynamic narrative.

In this episode, we explore Gabriele D’Annunzio’s deep connection with Rome, a city that fueled his vision of a “Latin Renaissance.” From the modernizing chaos of 1880s Rome to the haunting beauty of its ruins, D’Annunzio’s work reflects the tension between tradition and progress. We uncover his fascination with photography, his Parisian literary influences, and his role as both a chronicler and critic of the Eternal City. Discover how D’Annunzio captured Rome’s complexities, creating art that resonates with beauty, decay, and the human spirit.

In this episode, we dive into Paolo Sorrentino’s La Grande Bellezza, a mesmerizing exploration of Rome as a character and a mirror of human frailty. Through Jep Gambardella’s journey, we examine themes of memory, masculinity, and the search for meaning amid beauty and decay. From the grandeur of ancient ruins to the opulence of high society, Sorrentino captures a Rome layered with contradictions. We unpack the film’s visual brilliance, its nods to Fellini, and its haunting question: What is the great beauty we’re all searching for?

In this episode, we uncover the hidden layers of Rome through Paolo Sorrentino’s La Grande Bellezza. Stepping away from iconic landmarks, we explore lesser-seen locations like the Gianicolo and the Verano Cemetery, examining their historical and symbolic significance. From the interplay of beauty and decay to modern performances juxtaposed with ancient ruins, the film reveals a city steeped in contradictions. We delve into how Sorrentino captures the tension between Rome’s grandeur and its melancholy, inviting us to see the Eternal City in a new light.

In this episode, we explore Paolo Sorrentino’s La Grande Bellezza, a cinematic masterpiece that captures the duality of Rome—its grandeur and its emptiness. Through the journey of Jep Gambardella, we examine themes of beauty, isolation, and the fleeting nature of life. From haunting music to evocative locations like the Gianicolo and the Caracalla Baths, the film becomes a meditation on the search for connection amidst chaos. Discover how Sorrentino transforms Rome into a character, reflecting the universal longing for meaning and grace in the modern world.

In this episode, we explore Federico Fellini’s La Dolce Vita, a cinematic farewell to modernist ideals set against the backdrop of Rome’s fractured beauty. Through its episodic structure, the film captures the disillusionment of a world caught between tradition and modernity. We examine Marcello’s journey as a detached observer, the symbolic architecture of Rome, and the haunting final scene’s critique of connection and epiphany. Discover how Fellini dismantles the grand narratives of modernism, offering a fragmented yet profoundly human vision of a changing world.

In this episode, we explore Rome’s dramatic transformation from a papal city to the capital of a unified Italy. Starting with the 1883 master plan, we examine how modern urban projects like the Lungotevere embankments reshaped the city while sacrificing historic neighborhoods. From debates on “building thinning” to balancing ancient ruins with modern needs, we uncover how Rome became a city of layers, blending past and future. Discover the tension between progress and preservation in a city where history is always present.

In this episode, we explore Luigi Moretti’s visionary architecture, blending Baroque dynamism with mid-20th-century avant-garde art. Known for his striking designs, Moretti treated buildings as more than structures—they were experiences. From fragmented facades inspired by Art informel to the dramatic play of light recalling Caravaggio, Moretti challenged perceptions of space and stability. We delve into how his works, like Casa Albergo and Villa Saracena, redefined architecture as a dialogue between emotion, innovation, and tradition.

In this episode, we explore the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument in Rome, often nicknamed “The Wedding Cake” or “The Typewriter.” Built to celebrate Italian unification, this massive structure embodies national pride, architectural ambition, and ideological struggles. From its Beaux-Arts style and symbolic placement near the Roman Forum to its later appropriation by Mussolini, the Vittoriano reflects the complexities of Italy’s identity. We delve into its construction, controversies, and how monuments shape our understanding of history and power.

In this episode, we delve into Roberto Rossellini’s Rome, Open City, a groundbreaking film that captured the raw aftermath of Nazi occupation and the resilience of the human spirit. Credited with launching Italian Neorealism, the film blends real locations, non-professional actors, and a documentary feel to portray resistance. We discuss Rossellini’s complex use of fascist-era techniques to deliver an anti-fascist message, the role of faith, and how characters like Don Pietro and Pina embody defiance, unity, and sacrifice in the face of oppression.

In this episode, we explore Cronaca Bizantina, a bold literary journal that captured the energy and upheaval of late 19th-century Rome. Under the savvy publisher Angelo Sommaruga, the journal became a platform for rising stars like Gabriele D’Annunzio and celebrated writers like Giosuè Carducci. Blending art, scandal, and politics, Cronaca Bizantina navigated the clash between tradition and modernity, making waves with its provocative stories and public feuds. Discover how this short-lived publication left an indelible mark on Rome’s cultural landscape.

In this episode, we explore the Benziger Brothers’ pivotal role in shaping American Catholic visual culture from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. Known for outfitting churches with everything from stained glass to statues, Benziger helped create an accessible and distinctly American Catholic aesthetic. We discuss how their catalog evolved with cultural shifts, blending tradition with modernity, and how they navigated debates about authenticity and mass production. Discover how one company’s vision left a lasting mark on the visual language of American faith.

In this episode, we explore the world of Catholic kitsch, from mass-produced Saint Sulpice statues to quirky bobblehead nuns. These seemingly simple objects spark debate about art, taste, and faith. Once dismissed as overly sentimental, Catholic kitsch is now seen by some as a way to connect with tradition and create personal expressions of devotion. We dive into the history, cultural shifts, and layers of meaning in religious kitsch, questioning what these objects reveal about faith, identity, and the evolving line between sacred and secular.

In this episode, we dive into the thriving sacred art market of 19th-century Rome, where religious paintings and sculptures were produced and shipped worldwide. Orchestrated by Pope Pius IX, artists like Pietro Gagliardi created works that carried both beauty and spiritual power, enhanced by papal blessings and indulgences. Through partnerships with influential patrons, such as the Jesuits, Rome became the global hub for Catholic art, exporting faith and religious iconography to parishes across Europe, the Americas, and beyond.

In this episode, we explore 19th-century Mexico’s strategic choice to look to Rome for inspiration in shaping its national art scene. Following independence, Mexico funded artists to study at Rome’s Accademia di San Luca, seeking to adopt its techniques while crafting a unique Mexican identity. Figures like Pellegrín Clavé and Manuel Vilar brought back not only skills but a vision that merged Mexican and Roman styles. This cultural exchange reveals how art served as both a bridge and a statement of national pride, blending legacy and innovation.

In this episode, we explore the bold ideas of architect Marcello Piacentini, who sought to balance the preservation of Rome’s historical beauty with the demands of modern urban development. His 1916 essay envisioned a layered Rome, where the ancient, medieval, and modern cities coexist harmoniously. We dive into his ambitious plans for green spaces, transportation, and urban expansion while preserving the soul of the city. Discover how Piacentini’s vision still resonates today in our approach to modernizing historical cities.

In this episode, we explore the intertwined lives of Friedrich Overbeck and Tommaso Minardi, two leading figures of 19th-century religious art. Both artists rejected the secular trends of their time, striving to revive the spiritual depth of Renaissance masters. Overbeck’s minimalist, abstract style contrasted with Minardi’s more realistic approach, yet both aimed to express deep spiritual truths. We examine how their friendship and differing visions shaped the Purist movement, leaving a lasting impact on religious art in Europe.

In this episode, we delve into the world of Purism through the life and work of Tommaso Minardi, a central figure in 19th-century Italian art. Minardi emphasized the importance of drawing as the purest form of artistic expression. His admiration for the early Renaissance “primitives” like Giotto and Fra Angelico led him to reject the classical styles of his time, advocating for a rediscovery of their spiritual and emotional depth. Minardi’s teachings at the San Luca Academy played a pivotal role in shaping the Purist movement and influencing European art.

In this episode, we explore the artistic partnership between Friedrich Overbeck, leader of the Nazarene movement, and sculptor Karl Hoffmann, whose works found a lasting home at Ushaw College. We dive into how their shared vision shaped religious art during the 19th-century Catholic revival in England. From Our Lady of Help to other notable commissions at Ushaw, Hoffmann’s sculptures, deeply influenced by Overbeck in Rome, became powerful symbols of faith and devotion. Discover how their collaboration left a spiritual and artistic legacy that still resonates today.

In this episode, we dive into the story of the Nazarenes, a 19th-century art movement that sought to blend religious reverence with rebellion against the secular art trends of their time. These German artists, disillusioned with the Enlightenment’s influence, moved to Rome to reconnect with the spiritual depth of early Renaissance masters up to Raphael. We explore how their distinctive style of sharp contours and symbolic imagery pushed boundaries while honouring tradition, leaving a lasting impact on the art world’s spiritual dimension. Reflections on Grewe's The Nazarenes.

In this episode, we explore the evolution of religious art in France from the late 19th to early 20th centuries, focusing on the transition from Saint Sulpice’s vibrant, mass-produced statues to the minimalist forms of modern sacred art. We discuss how figures like Maurice Denis and Father Couturier grappled with tradition and innovation, balancing religious expression with artistic change. Discover how these shifts reflected deeper social and spiritual tensions in a rapidly modernizing world, reshaping the visual language of faith.

In this episode, we dive into the surprising legacy of Fabiola, a 19th-century novel that became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring artists, sculptors, and even entire exhibitions. From Edward von Steinle’s paintings to Stefano Galletti’s neoclassical sculptures, Fabiola ignited a wave of creativity across Europe. We explore how this novel’s themes of faith, martyrdom, and resilience captured the imaginations of artists and why it continues to resonate in the art world. Discover how one book became an artistic movement.

In this episode, we explore a fascinating moment at the 1867 Paris World’s Fair, where Pope Pius IX commissioned a replica of the Roman catacombs. We delve into why the papacy chose to display this morbid yet symbolic exhibit at a time when progress and innovation were on full display. Through the work of archaeologist Giovanni Battista de Rossi, the replica became a statement of resilience, faith, and power. Discover how the past and present collided, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Rome’s Christian heritage amidst a world looking toward the future.

In this episode, we explore the vibrant spectacle of 17th-century Rome, where the city itself became a stage for grand festivals and elaborate celebrations. Architects like Bernini designed temporary structures, known as ephemeral architecture, transforming Rome into a theatrical wonder. Centuries later, these same spaces hosted high-profile fashion shows, echoing the grandeur of the past. Discover how Rome’s architectural legacy continues to shape public displays of power, art, and fashion in a city where history and spectacle collide.

In this episode, we are focusing on how 18th-century Rome’s apartment buildings embodied ideals of simplicity, harmony, and beauty. Architects like Raguzzini approached these structures with a sense of balance and integration, blending them seamlessly into the city’s urban landscape. From the use of curves to create flow and movement to fostering community through thoughtful design, we reveal how these buildings reflect the Arcadian vision of finding elegance and grace in everyday life. Reflections on Debenedetti's article, Middle-Class Rome: From the Baroque City to the European Capital.

In this episode, we delve into the fascinating rivalry between Antonio Canova and Bertel Thorvaldsen through the eyes of William Cavendish, the 6th Duke of Devonshire. Exploring his collection at Chatsworth House, we discover how the Duke’s personal taste and diaries reveal his preference for Canova’s meticulous craftsmanship over Thorvaldsen’s more collaborative approach. We discuss how these two titans of neoclassical sculpture shaped the art world and how Cavendish’s curation tells a deeper story about the intersection of artistic process, collaboration, and personal connection. Reflections on Yarrington's Canova and Thorvaldsen at Chatsworth.

In this episode, we explore the 19th-century artistic rediscovery of Rome, focusing on how artists captured the city’s complex layers of history, from its ancient ruins to its Christian heritage. Far from the polished tourist sites we know today, these artists engaged with a Rome that was both decaying and majestic. We discuss how figures like Carl Friedrich Schinkel and Ippolito Caffi saw Rome as a dialogue between the ancient and modern worlds, and how their art reflected the city’s transformation. This episode reveals Rome as an evolving symbol, constantly reinterpreted through the eyes of its admirers.

In this episode, we delve into the world of neoclassicism, exploring its complex and dynamic history. Far beyond Roman columns and Grecian robes, we uncover how neoclassical artists navigated the intersection of tradition, innovation, and moral purpose. Through debates about beauty, power struggles, and movements within movements, we explore how figures like Jacques-Louis David and Antonio Canova shaped the era. We also touch on the rise of Egyptomania and the influence of art academies, highlighting how this artistic period was both global and deeply intellectual, leaving a lasting impact on modern art.

In this episode, we explore the fascinating journey of the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, also known as the “Square Colosseum.” Originally designed as a symbol of Mussolini’s fascist regime, the building has undergone a dramatic transformation over the decades, from a political monument to the headquarters of high fashion brand Fendi. We dive into the building’s controversial history, how it went from propaganda to pop culture, and the ongoing debate about whether architecture can ever truly be separated from its ideological origins. This is a story of art, power, and rebranding.

In this episode, we explore how the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, also known as the “Square Colosseum,” has been reimagined in four different films. Once a symbol of Mussolini’s fascist ideology, this imposing structure has since become a versatile canvas for directors like Fellini, Greenaway, Taymor, and Wimmer. Each filmmaker uses the building to reflect on themes like power, control, and history, from playful satire to dystopian futures. Through this exploration, we uncover how architecture can carry deep symbolism, transforming space into a powerful narrative tool across time and genres.

In this episode, we explore the legendary rivalry between two titans of neoclassical sculpture, Antonio Canova and Bertel Thorvaldsen. Both masters of their craft, they transformed the art of sculpture in the late 18th and early 19th centuries with their contrasting styles—Canova’s sensual, emotional figures versus Thorvaldsen’s cool, precise forms. We dive into their groundbreaking techniques, the mythological inspirations behind their works, and how their rivalry pushed each to new heights. Through their stories, we uncover the drama, ambition, and lasting legacy of these sculptors.

In this episode, we explore the dramatic rebirth of the Basilica of San Paolo fuori le mura after its devastating fire in 1823. From the ancient connection to Saint Paul’s tomb to the architectural debates following the disaster, we uncover the story of how this sacred site was transformed. The episode delves into the tensions between tradition and modernity, as architects like Giuseppe Valadier and Luigi Poletti navigated the balance between historical accuracy and innovation. Through this reconstruction, the basilica became a powerful symbol of resilience, faith, and the Catholic Church’s enduring influence.

In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of Arcadian Classicism in 18th-century Rome. Far from the typical grand narratives of ruins and gladiators, we uncover how the Accademia dell’Arcadia (Arcadian Academy) sought to harmonize classical ideals with the intellectual spirit of the Enlightenment. Through their pursuit of balance, order, and refined beauty, these artists crafted a new vision for Italian art, defining a national identity rooted in classical ideals. We delve into how Arcadian Classicism shaped the art world and left a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of Europe.

In this episode, we explore the rise of Baroquemania in late 19th and early 20th-century Italy, a period when the once-dismissed Baroque style made a dramatic comeback. We examine how Italy, newly unified and seeking a national identity, turned to Baroque art and architecture as symbols of grandeur and power. This resurgence wasn’t just about aesthetics; it reflected deeper cultural anxieties about modernity and order. Through the works of figures like Bernini and Wilde, we uncover how Baroque art expressed the tensions of the time, resonating with both traditionalists and modernists alike.