Roman Holiday
Classicists escaped the wet weather for the sunnier climes of Rome to enjoy a half term filled with ancient ruins, spectacular architecture and copious gelato.
40 pupils and staff arrived in the Eternal City and settled into their home (or οικος, as some of the girls would have it) for the trip: Hotel Lazio. The following morning, they headed to the Vatican City, queuing in the sun for St Peter’s Basilica, where they were treated to Michaelangelo’s Pieta, the incredible cupola and historic crypt below. The girls also faced their first Latin challenge – the inscription of Jesus’ address to St Peter that stretches around the interior. The afternoon involved Vatican Museums, the Prima Porta Augustus, the Laocoon statue group and the Sistine Chapel, where our resident art historians, Dr Slade and Mr Prance, each gave phenomenally detailed tours of the galleries, hopping breathlessly from one artefact to the next. After another fine meal, they returned to the hotel, some 12,000 steps tramped.
On Sunday’s visit to the Galleria Borghese, Dr Slade and Mr Prance offered remarkably insightful introductions to the various Bernini statues, including his famous Apollo and Daphne. The group then explored the Borghese Gardens before heading to the Spanish Steps. The afternoon was spent on a walking tour, whizzing by the Ara Pacis and San Luigi dei Francesi, while some students queued for the Pantheon. After braving the crowds at the Trevi Fountain, the evening was merrily spent in Monti around the fountain in Piazza della Madonna.
Monday, perhaps the most patently classical day, involved exploring the Roman Forum and the Colosseum under the knowledgeable guidance of a wonderful tour guide, as the group surveyed the Forum from a newly opened viewpoint adjacent to the Domus Tiberiana. Heading up the Capitoline Museum, some drew in the magnificent surroundings of the Campidoglio, whilst others visited the wonderous Capitoline Museums. Over dinner, Miss Williams compered a superb quiz with questions ranging from the history of Rome to classic Pizza Express combinations! A bittersweet sun dawned on the final day. After taking in the rustic ruins of Ostia Antica, pupils marvelled at the theatre and discovered the supposed house of Apuleius, one of the writers studied at GCSE by our Latinists. Following a quick lunch, the group were ferried back to the airport before returning to South Hampstead, where there was joyous nostos all around.
Head of Classics, Mr Thicknesse, commented: “The girls were superb ambassadors throughout: focused, curious, good-humoured, supportive and wonderful company – they walked many an uncomplaining kilometre, and we were proud to accompany them. Finally, my thanks to all the staff who made this trip possible through all their care, enthusiasm and unflagging energy, as well as their individual contributions.”
The Classics Department look forward to their next overseas trip to Athens and the Peloponnese in October 2024, open to GCSE and A Level students of Latin, Classical Greek and Classical Civilisation.