From July 7th to 19th, 2025, led by College Master Prof. Leung May Yee Janny, students from Choi Kai Yau College of the University of Macau, joined the “Tongji University – Florence Overseas Campus Summer Program”, through the affiliation with CKYC’s “College Alliance” partner Guohao College of Tongji University. Alongside Tongji students led by Professor Yongmei Li and Associate Professor Lin Wang, as well as Ms. Qiunan Sun from Guohao College, the participants embarked on a 13-day study tour in Italy.

The tour featured an itinerary covering three historic and cultural cities: Rome, Naples, and Florence. Through visiting historical sites, visiting renowned universities, and participating in special courses, the students gained an in-depth experience of Italy’s historical and cultural heritage and academic environment.

Rome: Connecting with the Millennia-Old Pulse of the Empire

The study tour began in Rome, the Eternal City. From July 7 to 8, the college students visited the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. As the political, religious, and commercial center of the ancient Roman Empire, these sites witnessed the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, allowing the students to understand the once-prosperous ancient Roman civilization. Walking among the ruins, the grand architectural remains told stories of the empire’s former glory, laying a profound historical foundation for the entire journey.

Naples: Exploring the Power of Nature and Academic Frontiers

From July 9 to 11, the group traveled to Naples, a city full of southern Italian charm. The students first visited the University of Naples Federico II, one of the oldest public universities in the world. Prof. Giulia and colleagues gave a detailed introduction to the local agricultural ecosystem, including soil characteristics and climatic conditions shaped by volcanic activity, which are closely linked to the growth of distinctive crops. They also shared insights into the sustainable development directions of local agriculture, building a bridge for academic exchanges.

Students then embarked on a natural exploration, hiking the famous Mount Vesuvius to learn about its volcanic landform structure and geological features, experiencing the natural force that altered history. A visit to the archaeological site of Pompeii followed. This ancient city, buried by Vesuvius’s eruption, offers an exceptionally preserved snapshot of Roman urban life. Amidst the buildings that were frozen in time, students felt the impact of the AD 79 disaster, gaining a deep appreciation for the complex relationship between natural catastrophes and the endurance of civilization.

Florence: Renaissance Studies and the Pulse of the City

The core part of the itinerary unfolded in Florence from July 12 to 19:

• In-depth Study of Renaissance Art and Technology: At the Capponi Campus of the University of Florence, Prof. Cristiano Giometti taught the course Art and Technological Innovation during the Renaissance. The course introduced various new trends brought by the Renaissance, such as the advocacy of humanism, affirming human reason and creativity. In the field of art, the artists, who were also scientists, pioneered linear perspective, scientifically expressed visual elements, and precisely studied human proportions to reveal mathematical harmony.
• Exploring Artistic Treasures: At the Teresa Campus, Dr. Wang Qiong led students in the course The Uffizi Gallery and Its Collections, providing an in-depth analysis of the treasures in this world-class art museum and the stories behind them.
• A Citywalk Through Urban History: Dr. Anna Flavia Rosati’s Florence Citywalk became a mobile classroom. From the magnificent Florence Cathedral to the exquisite Orsanmichele, and from the Palazzo Vecchio to the Piazza della Signoria, Dr. Rosati’s vivid explanations of architectural features and historical backgrounds provided college students a multi-dimensional understanding of this city, well-known as the cradle of the Renaissance.
• A Tour of Natural Sciences: Accompanied by Dr. Elena Badanai and professional museum guides, the students visited the Florence Natural History Museum. They focused on three key sections: mineralogy, zoology, and the anatomical wax museum with unique historical value, experiencing the diversity of the natural world and the precision of scientific records.
• Conservation and Revitalization of Cultural Heritage: Also at the Teresa Campus, Prof. Daniela Smalzi taught the course Cultural Heritage Protection and Urban Renewal. Beyond theory, Prof. Smalzi led the college students on a field visit to the Teresa Campus, explaining in detail how the campus was transformed from a monastery to a prison, and finally into a modern teaching space through exquisite revitalization. With the class being held in this exemplary building of heritage conservation and functional regeneration, the college students gained a deeper understanding of the protection, restoration, and renewal of historical structures discussed in class.
• A Visit to the Seat of Power: Guided by Dr. Samuele Magri, the college students visited the Palazzo Vecchio, gaining an in-depth understanding of the details and significance of this historic building, which once served as the residence of the Medici grand dukes and the political center of Florence.
• Exploring Modern Urban Lifelines: The itinerary also included a special visit to the Anconella Water Treatment Plant. As an indispensable water supply lifeline for Florence, the plant has undergone multiple expansions and technological upgrades since the mid-20th century, continuously meeting the city’s growing water demand and ensuring compliance with strict water quality standards. Its efficient and stable operation, continuous technological innovation, and commitment to sustainable development have made it a benchmark in the global water treatment industry. Through this field visit, the college students learned that the drinking water they take for granted undergoes such a complex journey, gaining a direct understanding of the importance of urban infrastructure.

This study tour in Italy was more than just sightseeing. By integrating systematic academic courses, in-depth visits to historical sites, and inspections of key modern urban facilities, it created a multidimensional classroom that spans time and space, integrating humanities and science. During the tour, the college students not only broadened their international horizons but also, through touring and reflection, gained a profound understanding of the context of cultural inheritance, the value of humanistic spirit, and the practical significance of technology serving urban development, accumulating valuable assets for their future academic exploration and personal growth.

Written by: Casey Liu