Tales of the Grand Tour 2 Trivia Quiz

Answer: Naples

In the 1700s Naples was a largely refurbished city, having been rebuilt into a showcase by Charles III of Bourbon, who ascended the throne of Naples in 1734. By the time he abdicated, he had started work which was being continued on The National Archaeological Museum (see my quiz "Who's Who At The National Archaeological Museum"), the Naples Academy of Fine Arts, and the The National Library of Naples.

Interest in history of the city and surrounding area was peaked with the discovery of Herculaneum, beginning in 1709, and Pompeii, rediscovered in 1738.

It didn't hurt that in the 1760s-1770s, Mt. Vesuvius was active and put on quite a show for tourists. In fact, brave young men even attempted to climb to the top! For most it was their first view of a volcano, and lava and pumice stone became popular souvenirs to take back from Italy.

Another attraction to the area was the estate of Lord Hamilton, the British Ambassador in Naples, who was known for hosting all sorts of events - just ask Lord Nelson.

He was visiting Lord Hamilton when Lady Hamilton, Emma, caught his attention.

Answer: Rome

For many, of course, reaching Rome was the main objective of the Grand Tour. Not only could ancient ruins be seen there, but masterpieces from Renaissance artists could also be enjoyed. The Colosseum and Forum were popular sites where the wealthy would fund archaeological digs, hoping to be able to find a statue or some other artifact to take home. And don't forget about the Pantheon, Circus Maximus, and Castel Sant'Angelo, to name just a few! There were also places to view the works of Renaissance greats like Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel or Raphael's School of Athens in the Vatican Museum.

Not only that, but Rome was also a place to view architecture from the Renaissance and Baroque eras, such as St. Peter's Basilica. For some travelers, Rome was the last stop on the Grand Tour and they would arrange transport on a ship back home.

Others would travel further south.

Answer: Paris

Typically, those leaving from England would embark from the port of Dover, cross the English Chanel, and begin their tour in either Belgium or France; the fastest crossing was from Dover to Calais. While some might hire a coach to travel to Paris - sources claim that the roads to the city were well built - or the route could also take them down the Seine.

While the young aristocrats of the day learned to speak French, they still hired guides to ease their way to Paris, where they might continue their study of the language, or take dance or fencing lessons.

While visiting the fashion capital of the time, one also needed to take time outfitting a proper wardrobe. It was in Paris where manners were learned that would pave the way for some type of political career. Travelers would spend weeks or months in Paris preparing for the remainder of their journey, visiting the French countryside, admiring the Palace of Versailles, which had become a royal residence in 1682, and visiting the art collection at the Louvre, which had become a home for artists who enjoyed royal patronage.

Answer: Baden

The mineral spring in Baden, Switzerland, has attracted visitors to the city since Roman times, as early as the time of the Greek physician Galen c. late 100s AD. Even the great Charlemagne used the baths there. Baden was not the only location with a hot spring that could be visited; in Pfäfers a hot spring was found in 1240 that had a bath house by the time the Great Tour began.

Other cities visited in Switzerland could include either Lausanne or Geneva. Travelers typically made their way to Switzerland after their stay in Paris.

While it may be inconceivable that they would choose crossing the mountains over going by sea through the Gulf of Genoa from Marseille to Genoa, it must be noted that the sea travel was difficult at best considering the threat of storms and pirates.

In addition, during certain months all sea travel was halted. If careful planning had taken place, the trip across the Alps either by foot, mule, horseback, or sedan chair was easier. Of course, this led to an interest in the mountains and climbing among scientists.

By the time the macaronis (fashionable young men on the Grand Tour) reached Italy, they were ready for a rest.

Answer: Turin

It might be difficult to understand the importance of Turin during the Grand Tour unless one takes the time to consider the fact that after leaving France, travelers typically visited Switzerland. Then it was time to make the difficult trek through the Alps - sometimes by being carried in a sedan chair. Why didn't they go by sea? The Bay of Biscay was notoriously rough sailing, and there were Spanish and pirates lurking on the other side. Turin, with its breathtaking views of the Piedmont (literally "foot of the mountain"), described as being "extremely magnificent", offered a welcome rest.

In addition, there was an academy that served as a finishing school for those who needed further polishing after their sojourn in Paris, the Teatro Regio (1740), or Royal Theater, and, of course, the king's palace to visit.

It was said that on a clear day one could see all the way to Milan, over 80 miles away.

Answer: Florence

Aristocratic families believed that taking the Grand Tour was a good way to complete a person's education. It was a way to study the cultures of the ancient, and viewing Greek and Roman ruins was a popular pastime. By the time of the Grand Tour, however, the Renaissance had already taken place, and don't forget that it began in Italy! Many of the great Renaissance artists, including Leonardo himself, lived near Florence, the capital of Tuscany, and worked there.

The Uffizi Gallery, which is considered by many to be one of the first modern museums, was originally constructed for Cosimo I de' Medici to house the offices of the city's magistrates; over time it also held the family's art collection.

At the time of the Grand Tour the building housed 45-50 rooms of paintings alone. Along with the exquisite art, the area of Tuscany contained beautiful landscape that inspired artists and writers alike.

While some simply traveled through the area on their way into or out of Rome, others chose to stay for longer periods, inspired by the many sights, both man-made and natural.

Answer: Venice

It may well be surprising that Venice was a popular destination on the Grand Tour - it didn't have the classical ruins that travelers were eager to study and its climate was not believed to be very healthy. The overall lifestyle of the city, however, made it a place that many wanted to visit - especially during the Carnival season - which was quite long, and also during the ceremony that was known as the Marriage to the Sea. Carnival, and its popular masquerades, lasted from Epiphany in early January (and sometimes before) until Lent.

The Marriage to the Sea ceremony, which had been taking place at least since 1000 AD and was part of the Festa della Sensa, featured a procession of boats that symbolized Venice's control of the Adriatic. Who didn't want to experience the art and architecture of the day by touring the Grand Canal and perhaps take home a lovely painting by one of the many talented artists of the city? It is suspected, however, that the real draw of the city might have been a bit of a more lenient lifestyle. Gambling houses, the ridotti, were popular at the time, and some called the city the Brothel house of Europe. Considered a "must see" city on the Grand Tour, apparently a good time was had by all in Venice!

Answer: Bologna

Bologna was an important stop on the Grand Tour. The University, considered to be the oldest in continuous operation, was established in 1088. During the Middle Ages Roman law and medicine were studied there and it boasted many renowned students such as Dante and Petrarca. During the Grand Tour lectures that further enhanced one's education could be attended; some were even presented by female scholars.

The viewing of St. Cecilia's Altarpiece, in the church of San Giovanni in Monte, was also a popular attraction. Painted by the artist Raphael in 1516-17, the picture features St. Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians, listening to the angels sing while in the company of St. Paul, St. John, Mary Magdalene, and St. Augustine. If music was a person's cup of tea, then Bologna was the place to be, as the city was considered to be a center in the Baroque Period with the Concerto Palatino, or town band, that performed twice a day, and the Cappella Musicale di San Petronio, a choir that provided music during worship. Eventually the singers were accompanied by instruments.

Answer: Paestum

If the main purpose of the Grand Tour was to complete one's education and learn more about architecture, art, and classical cultures, Paestum was the place to go. Considered to be some of the best preserved Greek ruins in Italy, Paestum, originally called Poseidonia, was originally founded in the 600s BC by Greek colonists who wished to settle in one of their favorite colonies, Magna Graecia, on the southern coast of Italy.

The Romans had taken over Poseidonia in 273 BC and renamed the city Paestum, adding an ampitheater and forum. During the Middle Ages, possibly due to raiding along the coast, the city was abandoned and became overgrown. Stones from the site were apparently used in the construction of the Salerno Cathedral in the late 1000s. Mention of the city had been made during the Renaissance, and The First Temple of Hera (c. 550 BC), the Second Temple of Hera (c. 460 BC), and the Temple of Athena (c. 500 BC), all Doric Greek temples, were found well-preserved in the 1750s, when workmen were constructing a road to the south of Naples.

The site quickly became the most southern stop for some on the Grand Tour, and some, such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and Antonio Canova, wrote poetry about the site.

Answer: Milan

For those who wanted to learn more about classical cultures, the Opera seria in Milan was a must on the Grand Tour. Opera seria had a serious tone (as opposed to Opera buffa) that was based on a classical or mythological theme. Although it could be viewed in other cities on the Grand Tour, the sets of the Galli-Bibiena family of Milan were thought to be the best.

In the 1100s the construction of a series of canals was begun in Milan; the Naviglio Grande was considered to be the most important canal.

Originally built for reasons of defense, the canal also facilitated trade, travel, and agriculture in the region. Wealthy Milanese of the day lived in the area where the canal led to the outskirts of the city on estates like the Villa Mainer a Cassinetta di Lugagnano. Traveling down the canal was done on barges called cagnone, but horses, and sometimes men, were needed to pull the cagnone upstream. Don't forget, for those interested in Renaissance art, Leonardo's "The Last Supper" could also be viewed at the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie.