LUCA PIETROSANTI
Art Iconologist, Expert Guide, Cacio e Pepe Savant
Rome, Italy
Proudly Roman (don’t tell my Calabrese grandma), for over a decade I’ve been sharing my passion for art, history and authentic Italian culture (that doesn’t include spaghetti-meatballs) with travelers from around the world. Ask me to reveal the hidden meaning of the symbols in the Sistine Chapel, decipher an ancient Latin inscription at the Colosseum, or where to find the best Roman street food ever created (trapizzino anyone?)…but my cacio e pepe recipe will remain top-secret!
Luca Pietrosanti - Upcoming Zoom Tours
ART HISTORY
Luca’s world of Art History begins with a foundational understanding of art in Rome through time—a view from the West—in context of art, culture and innovation in the East. Luca takes you on a journey of learning and discovery, together with your friends. Here's what we recommend:
Art in Rome Through Time: A 4-session course that explores Western art history from antiquity until now, centered in Rome, Italy, and presented in context of a global art history timeline that includes China, Japan, and the Middle East.
Art of Asia - Japan: A 4-session course that explores the art of Japan, focusing on wabi-sabi (侘寂), the traditional Japanese aesthetic as a foundation for feeling the art. Juxtaposed against Western images, the truth emerges.
Seeing Art: In this fun and informative 4-session course you'll learn 8 principles of art appreciation and elements of design applied to the iconic masterpieces that you think you've already seen. See art now in an entirely new way!
Art Around the World: Designed as a series of 4-session courses, Luca uses online tools to virtually visit iconic artists' work in museums, churches and neighborhoods around the world. A revelation in Zoom travel, let's explore!
Art History Portfolio - Foundations
Art History Portfolio - Art Around the World
Time is TBDAmsterdam via ZoomTime is TBDAmsterdam via Zoom
VIRTUAL WALKING TOURS
Rome is locked down once again, but the guidelines allow Romans to be out in the streets, provided they are working. As a professional certified tour guide, Luca wishes to continue the +With Friends Rome at Sunset Live! virtual walking tours, in compliance with masking and social distancing protocols. Sharing the art, history, food, spirit and culture of the Eternal City is his passion and livelihood.
Monuments & Sites: Join Luca for a virtual passeggiata—a neighborhood sunset stroll—to see Rome's iconic monuments, or take a private walk to anywhere your heart desires. Just drop Luca a Google map pin and you're virtually there!
Street Art & Local Culture: Designed as a 4-session course, Luca takes you on a walking tour of the art on the walls of Rome’s “quartieri,” historically working-class industrial neighborhoods, now open-air museums thanks to the works of local and international street artists. Explore food, spirits and locals hot spots too!
Luca Pietrosanti - Virtual Walking Tour Portfolio
Time is TBDSt. Peter's Square via ZoomTime is TBDSt. Peter's Square via Zoom
Luca Pietrosanti - Street Art Walking Tour Portfolio
Time is TBDRome via ZoomTime is TBDRome via Zoom
Time is TBDRome via ZoomTime is TBDRome via Zoom
Time is TBDRome via ZoomTime is TBDRome via Zoom
Time is TBDRome via ZoomTime is TBDRome via Zoom
Time is TBDRome via ZoomTime is TBDRome via Zoom
ARTISANS OF ROME
Inspired by Luca’s Art in Rome Through Time Zoom course, this Artisans of Rome series will take you deep into the everlasting art forms that developed in Rome through the centuries and are still flourishing today, thanks to dedicated artisans who will share their own history and experiences with you.
Luca Pietrosanti - Artisans of Rome Portfolio
In Real Life
While Zoom travel is surprisingly "real" why not extend your experience of art, history, food, spirit and local culture into "real life"? Luca offers in-person tours in his native Rome, Italy as well as bespoke tours to anywhere in the world.
We invented "Art with Friends Zoom Travel" during the first few months of the global pandemic and after the reopening of Europe in 2021, we began tours "in real life." Luca has since led private +With Friends tours in Rome, Florence, Turin and Venice. In 2023, we take our Art +WithFriends Dutch & Flemish Masters tour to experience the once-in-a-lifetime Vermeer exhibition in Amsterdam, along with other master works in Bruges and Brussels. We are also planning an Art +WithFriends Spanish Masters tour in late October 2023. Further Art +WithFriends explorations include Japan and a grand tour of art and "la dolce vita" in Naples, Sicily and Malta.
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Contact Luca directly to arrange for his Roman Secrets and Highlights Tours.