TUTTO RAFFAELLO -The Complete Works of Raphael Sanzio from Urbino – MASTERCLASS – Virtual Tour
Mario’s virtual tours are absolutely fantastic. Have experienced many of his talks online, eg Borghese Gallery, St. Peter’s , Santa Maria Maggiore, Villa D’Este, talks on Caravaggio and many, many... read more more. All excellent and outstanding. The virtual talks allow you to “visit” places of interest in Italy from your own home. Mario is so knowledgeable about Italian art and architecture. He makes the art and buildings come alive for us. Honestly, his presentations are so good. Highly recommended.
My first virtual tour. And I Invited some clients of mine. Total we had 14 on the zoom virtual tour of the secrets of the Vatican. We all LOVED IT.... read more I was pleasantly surprised with how much you still get to see and take in and learn even not being there in person. Mario did a great job navigating through the different platforms and resources he uses to do his tour. He is incredibly knowledgeable and made it fun too! He was funny and my group all enjoyed it. We could have kept listening to him talk. Learned a lot and it was so awesome to see all the beautiful architecture, paintings, and statues. It's incredible. I can't wait to be there again some day in person. But for now virtual will have to do and this is the best way to do it. I look forward to doing another virtual tour with Mario! Thank you!
I recently discovered Mario Bernardi's virtual tours of Italy's favorite destinations and magnificent art works. His vast knowledge of Italian history and art, together with his mastery of Google Earth,... read more Google Maps, Google Street View, 360 degree pictures and video resources bring his virtual tours to life. I strongly recommend his virtual tours to anybody who loves Italy and Italian art, or to anybody who is planning a trip to this wonderful country. I'm looking forward to traveling again and to joining one of his live tours.
I highly recommend Mario's virtual tours. I organized it as a team building experience at work. It was a wonderful escape of 1 hour that at times was truly breathtaking.... read more The next day I immediately booked another trip.
I greatly appreciated Mario's deep knowledge, the relaxed atmosphere he created and the customer service that is deeply rooted in him.
Do not look further - book with the Grand Tour of Europe!
Excellent service. Mario handled all our tour requests efficiently and with personal service. Reasonable rates and flexible with change of plans. I highly recommend this company.
Mario has an amazing knowledge of Italian and European art, architecture and history and first hand experience working with the Italian government archeological entities. I have attended about 15... read more of his virtual tours in both English and Italian, on a range of topics including Pompei, the Sistine chapel, the San Severo chapel in Naples, the Caserta Palace, the Quirinale, the Pantheon, the Vatican, castles in Wales, etc. He situates the tour geographically and typographically and provides an fascinating discussion supported by selected pictures. His virtual tours are even more interesting than first hand visits in some ways, and are excellent value for money!

TUTTO RAFFAELLO
Mario Bernardi’s Masterclass on Raphael
Welcome to Mario Bernardi’s Masterclass on Raphael, an immersive journey into the life and works of one of the greatest artists in history. Raphael, a prodigy from Urbino, passed away on April 6, 1520, at the mere age of 37. Yet, in just two decades, he transformed the course of art history, becoming a cornerstone whose influence resonated through the next four centuries.
This masterclass offers a comprehensive exploration of Raphael’s complete works, from his early beginnings influenced by Perugino to his monumental projects in the Vatican and Papal commissions, culminating in the ‘Transfiguration’. Mario will guide you through Raphael’s astonishing yet brief career, where he not only created exquisite portraits and Madonnas but also led major architectural projects, including work on St. Peter’s Basilica.
Raphael’s art, characterised by evolving innovation yet rooted in classical traditions, set a benchmark for beauty and creativity. His solutions, poetic expressions, and ever-evolving artistry are a testament to his genius, challenging and inspiring artists who followed. Join us as we delve into Raphael’s life, understanding how his works became a touchstone for generations of artists, and uncovering the depths of his influence on the beauty and craftsmanship in the world of art.
Vol I: Raphael of Urbino: From Early Beginnings to Works in Umbria
In this first volume, we delve into the life of Raphael, a master whose artistry began in the quaint streets of Urbino. Born to the painter Giovanni Santi, Raphael’s talent was nurtured early in his father’s workshop. Despite the tragedy of losing his father as a teenager, Raphael’s resilience and passion for art kept the workshop thriving. This volume explores his collaborations with renowned artists like Perugino and Pinturicchio, highlighting his early works for affluent families in Central Italy, especially in Umbria. Discover lesser-known facts about his early influences and the evolution of his unique style in this engaging journey through Raphael’s formative years.
Vol II: Florence, the School of the World: Leonardo vs. Michelangelo
1504 marked a year of turmoil in Italy, yet it was a golden era for art in Florence. Renowned masters like Botticelli, Leonardo, and Michelangelo were creating their masterpieces in this free Republic. Amidst this, Raphael, driven by ambition, arrived in Florence. This volume captures his four transformative years in the city, where he was both a student and a rival to the greatest artists of his time. We unravel the dynamics of this artistic haven and Raphael’s quest for greatness, offering insights into his interactions and inspirations drawn from the artistic giants of the Renaissance.
Vol III: From Florence to Rome: The Rise of a Master
After his formative years in Florence, Raphael’s journey took a momentous turn when he was invited to Rome by Pope Julius II. This volume explores Raphael’s transformative Roman period, highlighting his significant works in the Vatican, including the famed Raphael Rooms. We uncover how Rome became the canvas for his genius, showcasing his evolution from a painter to a master of diverse artistic disciplines. This segment also offers insights into his lesser-known architectural works, solidifying Raphael’s reputation as a versatile and pioneering artist of the Renaissance.
Vol IV: Gli Anni del Trionfo Romano (The Years of Roman Triumph)
Raphael’s Roman period was marked by an array of artistic triumphs, encompassing painting, architecture, and beyond. In this volume, we delve into his most prolific years, where he served multiple Popes and noble families, not just in Rome but across Italy. Discover Raphael’s versatility as he juggled numerous projects, each reflecting his growing mastery and evolving style. We will also explore some of his lesser-known works, revealing how his influence extended beyond the common narratives of his life and art.
Vol V: Gli Ultimi Anni e l’Eredità di Raffaello (The Final Years and Legacy of Raphael)
The concluding volume of this series reflects on Raphael’s final years and his enduring legacy. Dying young at the age of 37, Raphael left behind a rich tapestry of works that continued to shape art for centuries. This segment not only covers his last artistic contributions, including the ‘Transfiguration’, but also examines the profound impact he had on the art world. We delve into how his innovative techniques and artistic philosophies influenced generations of artists and continue to inspire art lovers around the world.

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