500 Years Ago – October 31, 1512 – Michelangelo unveiled the newly painted ceiling of the Sistine Chapel to Pope Julius II. The masterpiece represents the height of Renaissance art and theology and underscored a new vision for a city that had languished over the centuries. The next 150 years witnessed countless projects that transformed Rome into one of the most exciting cities of Europe – with great works by Bramante, Raphael, Michelangelo, Bernini, Caravaggio and others.
Rome is unparalleled as a place to explore ancient Rome, early Christianity, medieval Christian art and, of course, the great monuments of Renaissance Rome. Many have increasingly discovered the value of travel to places of great historical and religious significance. The experience of traveling together is deeply transformative. Participants return with a new sense of their place in a historical tradition, a renewed commitment to their faith and local congregation, stronger bonds with fellow sojourners, and a greater understanding of other belief systems and cultures.