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Rick Steves' Europe
Rick Steves’ Europe: Art of the Early Middle Ages
Season 12
Episode 1205
After Rome’s fall, Europe’s Christians kept culture alive with art rooted in their deep faith. We visit sturdy Romanesque churches filled with art that reinforced the ruling order. Meanwhile, Europe was invigorated from the fringes: Byzantines to the East, with their dazzling mosaics; Spanish Muslims with their lush palaces; and fierce Vikings of the North—all part of Europe’s rich cultural stew.
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24:56
Kraków's grand square, Wawel Castle, communist-era Nowa Huta; sobering Auschwitz-Birkenau.
25:34
The ultimate road trip; Lake Mývatn; Eastfjords; lagoons and waterfalls; Westman Islands.
25:38
The vibrant capital; Blue Lagoon; Golden Circle's majestic nature; Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
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25:16
The turbulent century and its rule-breaking art—Picasso, Surrealism and edgy architecture.
28:26
Shimmering Impressionist canvases by Monet and Renoir, plus Van Gogh, Gauguin and more.
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25:18
Roaming Europe, we admire stately Neoclassical buildings and dramatic Romantic paintings.
28:22
We marvel at Baroque’s over-the-top churches, palaces, bubbly fountains, and theatric art.
28:42
From Portugal to Germany, booming economies and new technologies produce exquisite art.
28:03
Florence’s bold “rebirth” is powered by the genius of Leonardo, Rafael, and Michelangelo.
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25:36
Soaring Gothic cathedrals of radiant stained glass, plus art celebrating worldly pleasure.
28:23
The grand cities of ancient Rome’s vast empire and majestic churches of its fall.
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25:37
Rome’s rise, as seen in its supersized monuments, colorful mosaics, and marble Caesars.