Beautiful Period Piece Series Set in Italy That Are Worth Watching

Rome is one of those cities wherein you feel like you've stepped back in time. You feel like you're an artist during the Renaissance era, walking amidst the countless marble structures and the stunning works of art that they house. Out on the street, you feel like you're in the 1950s, walking up the cobblestone streets to go meet your lover. And in the many churches in the city, you'll feel as if you're still in Medival times, a period in the country where politics and the Church often mixed. It's this timeless identity that makes Rome the perfect setting for period pieces, even for TV.

 

Rome

To say that Ancient Rome was a tumultuous time for both the city and the country's history is an understatement. That period was practically one of the darkest of them all, full of gory deaths, betrayal of kin and alliances, and political unrest. You can best view how it was in the British-American series, "Rome." The show centres on two fictionalize but realistic soldiers, Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo. Though ordinary citizens of the "Eternal City," they witness some of the historic real-live accounts of what transpired at the time. The also often mix or mention real historic figures, such as Julius Ceasar, Mark Antony, and more. 

Source: IMDb

 

Da Vinci's Demons

Leonardo Da Vinci is arguably one of the most prolific geniuses of his time. A true Renaissance man, his works went beyond art, and often ventures into science, philosophy, and religion. Such were his influences that his own story has come to fascinate many throughout the years. And this is probably why "Da Vinci's Demons" was made. Although heavily fictionalized, the series does often touch on real-life events and people that Da Vince himself encountered. From his own troubles of inventing, making art, and pleasing his benefactors, the show upholds the complexities and often tragic underpinnings of the legendary man's life. 

Source: IMDb/ STARZ Network

 

Leonardo

Still, Leonardo Da Vinci's impact and contributions to the world are so important that, to this day, students still learn about him in school. So why not make a series that they can watch to better understand his life? Well, British broadcaster CBBC did just that with "Leonardo." The youth-enthused and oriented program sees Da Vinci as a teenager, navigating through his own life with a couple of friends along the way. It's an extremely light-hearted and almost comedic take on the historic figure's story. And while many might find it cheesy, it does tell his story in a very relatable and approachable way. 

Source: IMDb

 

The Borgias 

Now, let's explore some of Italy's more devious characters. Back in the 15th century, the Borgia family practically reigned supreme in Rome. The patriarch, Rodrigo Borgia, bribed and cheated his way into the papacy, becoming Pope Alexander VI. And during his time in power, his family enjoyed the fruits of his ascendance. They try to retain the power given to them by any means necessary, even by killing and torture. At the same time, they also work through their own issues, full of shocking secrets and forbidden truths, most of which can lead to their ruin. 

Source: IMDb

 

Medici

Similarly, the Medici family as also one of the most affluent and influential families. Mostly holding power in Florence, their esteem spread throughout the rest of the country and continental Europe. And the Italian-British series, "Medici," tackles different parts of that family's fruitful history. Beginning at the time when they operated the biggest bank in Europe, taking on the various popes within their dynasty, as well as their countless romantic and sexual affairs, the show is a riveting yet beautiful look into the historic family. Not to mention that it's a visual feast of a production, pushing forth the artistic beauty of the Renaissance era. 

Source: IMDb

 

Still Star-Crossed

Everyone knows what happens to the titular lovers at the end of William Shakespeare's beloved love story, "Rome and Juliet." But what happens with their families after that tragic end? What has become of them? Well, according to the ABC series, "Still Star-Crossed," the Capulets and the Montagues are still at odds with each other. They haven't learned from the deaths of their children and continue to fight violently, terrorizing Verona in the process. To stop their senseless war, Prince Escalus orders the marriage of Benvolio Montague and Rosaline Capulet, Romeo and Juliet's cousin. However, they soon discover that a simple union won't fix everything. 

Source: IMDb

 

1992

Now for a period piece that's a lot more recent but still worth watching. During the 1990s, Italy was facing major political turmoil. The Mani Pulite investigation into political corruption shook the country at its core, resulting in countless demonstrations and even some societal reforms. The series "1992" touches on this issue's effect on six people who are all, in one-way shape or form, entangled in the mess. They range from a war veteran who suddenly finds himself elected into the parliament, a former showgirl who craves attention and will do anything for it, and a police officer who's out for revenge. 

Source: IMDb

 

There's no question that Italy is an exciting destination filled with fascinating stories. But it's the tales from its past, from the Renaissance period to even as recent as the 1990s, that offer exciting and riveting TV! Here are some period piece series worth binging on!