Study tour to Versailles

The International Institute for Baroque Studies and the Department of Architecture and Urban Design at the University of Malta have jointly organised a very successful study tour to Versailles thanks to sponsorships received from Vassallo Builders and the Corinthia Group of Companies.

The objective of the study tour, as outlined by Professor Denis De Lucca, was to familiarise students following the BE&A (Hons.), MA in Baroque Studies and Diploma in Baroque Architecture courses with the exterior and interior design of the foremost Baroque palace in Europe built in the 17th century by King Louis XIV of France. During the visit to Versailles, the students were also given the opportunity to see the beautifully landscaped gardens of the palace designed by André Le Notre.

Another highlight of the trip to France was a visit to Paris, which was introduced by a coach tour visiting principal urban spaces of the city - the Champs Elysées, the Opera, the Louvre, the Luxembourg, the University of the Sorbonne and the Pantheon.

This was followed by a visit to the 12th century Gothic cathedral of Notre Dame and optional visits to the Pompidou Centre and the Louvre glass pyramid, two important landmarks in the history of modern architecture respectively designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers and the architect I.M. Pei. The Paris excursion was concluded with an evening boat trip on the Seine where the illuminated splendour of the principal mediaeval, Baroque and 19th century buildings of Paris could be appreciated.

The Versailles study tour materialised as a result of the initiative of Professor De Lucca, director of the International Institute for Baroque Studies and head of Architecture. The students were also accompanied by lecturers Dr Joseph H. Spiteri, architect Carmel Cacopardo, architect Shirley Cefai and the painter Alfred Chircop.