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Art History Students Surprised by the Pope in Milan

Students and Prof. Hoch in front of the Cenacolo, after having seen Pope Francis

Umbra’s AHST 371: Leonardo da Vinci: Artist, Genius, and Scientist students recently visited Florence and Milan for an art history tour led by Prof. Adrian S. Hoch. During a warm sunny weekend, the students visited the Uffizi and Palazzo Vecchio in Florence before heading to Milan.

The visit to Milan started like any other, with a visit to Castello Sforzesco and the sculpture museum. However, the students were met with an unexpected surprise on their way to Santa Maria delle Grazie: the Pope passed by in the Pope-mobile. Students joined the cheering crowd full of waving white and yellow banners to catch a glimpse of Pope Francis.

Many students viewed seeing the Pope as the highlight of their trip, though the day in Milan did not slow down from there. The class went on to see Leonardo’s famous Cenacolo (the Last Supper), and to tour the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, Milano Cathedral, and the Church of San Gottardo.

Click here to learn more about Art History courses at the Umbra Institute.