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Edinburgh: a Historic Scottish Capital with Irene Mariani
Edinburgh: a Historic Scottish Capital with Irene Mariani

Edinburgh: a Historic Scottish Capital with Irene Mariani


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Edinburgh, with its historical sites, puzzling architecture and folkloristic tales, is one of the most fascinating cities of Europe. Divided into two parts, the Old Town and the New Town, it presents us with intriguing questions: why is the New Town older than the Old Town? What was the End of the World gate? Why is Edinburgh believed to be haunted? There are indeed many secrets to unveil. This lecture will introduce Edinburgh, Scotland’s historical capital. Through photographs, videos, maps and paintings, we will trace Edinburgh's development and see how the city transformed across the centuries, from a medieval spot to a modern and sophisticated city.

After a brief overview of what the city looks like today, we will take a step back in time and dive into the history of the Old Town, which will form the core part of this lecture. Once the buzzing heart of the medieval city, the Old Town will serve as a backdrop to explore Edinburgh's rich history and architecture. We will discuss some of the most important historical events and introduce the major royal and religious players of the Medieval and Renaissance times. We will look at sites associated with ghost and witch stories, now entangled with Edinburgh identity. Towards the end of the lecture, we will examine the formation of the New Town and discuss how its neoclassical architecture, visible in its succession of streets, crescents, and terraces, heavily re-shaped Edinburgh and contributed to the city being labeled the ‘Athens of the North’. Our journey through Edinburgh history will stop around 1850.

Led by an expert on Renaissance art and history, Irene Mariani, this interactive lecture will introduce the history of Edinburgh. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased understanding of the history, architecture and tales that contributed to make Edinburgh one of the most fascinating and intriguing cities of Europe.

Irene specialised in Italian Renaissance Art and her doctoral thesis looked at the artistic patronage of the Vespucci family in fifteenth-century Florence. She was an intern at the Queen's Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse and collaborated with the Education Department of the National Galleries of Scotland. Irene currently teaches History of Art at the University of Edinburgh. Edinburgh stole her heart and it is now her second home.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 60 reviews
92%
(55)
5%
(3)
2%
(1)
0%
(0)
2%
(1)
A
A.M. (Woodbridge, US)
Wonderful well thought out lecture!

Really helped you understand the history, the layout, what to see and do. Top rating! Can’t wait to go.

K
Karen Clark (San Angelo, US)
Very Informative Tour of Edinburgh

While it was somewhat strange hearing about Edinburgh from someone with an Italian accent, Irene Mariani did a lovely job of presenting the old and new sections of Edinburgh. She was very knowledgeable, and her presentation included helpful maps and videos. Irene definitely helped round out my itinerary for a upcoming trip.

S
Suzanne Hannay (Heath, US)
The Secret Sideof Edinburgh

We’ve come to assume that Dr. Mariano’s Scottish lecture would be entertaining and informative—full of her charming insights. But this tour of Edinburgh was a holiday present 🎁 that exceeded our expectation. Surely Dr. M lived in Edinburgh in another lifetime in which she encountered secret passageways, cryptic coding in brass cobblestones and her fair share of witches and kings. She really dug into (no pun intended) the history of cemetery lore and medical shenanigans in a way that was serious and scholarly. Her suggestion for off the beaten track exploration were excellent. She is an artist with a camera—enhancing her observations with stunning color images. All her visual images and maps are so helpful. At the same time, she added her trademark bibliography of books and films that will carry us through the winter nights. Always a treat to welcome her ZOOM into our livingroom!

G
G.T. (Indianapolis, US)
Great Overview of the History of Edinburgh

Irene Mariani packs a wonderful history of Edinburgh into 60 minutes that go by in a flash. Very entertaining you will understand the city and its charm much better after listening to her talk!

G
G.L. (Santa Rosa, US)
Inspiring tour

I loved this historical, religious and artistic perspective on the city. We are planning to visit this summer and feel confident we’ll be able to navigate the city and understand what sights to highlight and visit. Thanks also for the titles of books, movies and other resources that will enrich our experience even before we arrive. Slides were beautiful!

Customer Reviews

Based on 60 reviews
92%
(55)
5%
(3)
2%
(1)
0%
(0)
2%
(1)
A
A.M. (Woodbridge, US)
Wonderful well thought out lecture!

Really helped you understand the history, the layout, what to see and do. Top rating! Can’t wait to go.

K
Karen Clark (San Angelo, US)
Very Informative Tour of Edinburgh

While it was somewhat strange hearing about Edinburgh from someone with an Italian accent, Irene Mariani did a lovely job of presenting the old and new sections of Edinburgh. She was very knowledgeable, and her presentation included helpful maps and videos. Irene definitely helped round out my itinerary for a upcoming trip.

S
Suzanne Hannay (Heath, US)
The Secret Sideof Edinburgh

We’ve come to assume that Dr. Mariano’s Scottish lecture would be entertaining and informative—full of her charming insights. But this tour of Edinburgh was a holiday present 🎁 that exceeded our expectation. Surely Dr. M lived in Edinburgh in another lifetime in which she encountered secret passageways, cryptic coding in brass cobblestones and her fair share of witches and kings. She really dug into (no pun intended) the history of cemetery lore and medical shenanigans in a way that was serious and scholarly. Her suggestion for off the beaten track exploration were excellent. She is an artist with a camera—enhancing her observations with stunning color images. All her visual images and maps are so helpful. At the same time, she added her trademark bibliography of books and films that will carry us through the winter nights. Always a treat to welcome her ZOOM into our livingroom!

G
G.T. (Indianapolis, US)
Great Overview of the History of Edinburgh

Irene Mariani packs a wonderful history of Edinburgh into 60 minutes that go by in a flash. Very entertaining you will understand the city and its charm much better after listening to her talk!

G
G.L. (Santa Rosa, US)
Inspiring tour

I loved this historical, religious and artistic perspective on the city. We are planning to visit this summer and feel confident we’ll be able to navigate the city and understand what sights to highlight and visit. Thanks also for the titles of books, movies and other resources that will enrich our experience even before we arrive. Slides were beautiful!