The School of Arts and Crafts of the Fabric of Saint Peter in the Vatican was conceived and structured to restore vitality and authority to the craft tradition, which is not only a precious heritage of the past but also an asset for present society to offer to future times.
The School is free of charge, and knowledge is transmitted to young aspiring artisans by the best master craftsmen of the Basilica. Therefore, the courses that have been launched are essentially those regarding the most historically-relevant tasks in the Fabric, and which correspond largely also to the craft activities still in demand in contemporary construction.
The training courses aim at the professional and human growth of the young craftsmen, and the development of manual skills, alongside art-historical learning, knowledge of the materials used, and the acquisition of technical and technological proficiency.
Teaching activities include cycles of lectures, seminars, guided tours and study visits to various locations in Italy. The theoretical lessons are held in Vatican City State, in the classrooms specifically set up in the premises of the Palazzo della Canonica, and the workshop activities are carried out in the workshops of the Fabric of Saint Peter. Through this form of active apprenticeship and generational transmission of knowledge, students are able to immerse themselves in the life of the Vatican Basilica and get to know its spirituality, places, people and organization.
Participation in the School also offers the opportunity to construct an educating community, formed in a spirit of fraternity and with a view to integral human growth, as an alternative to the solitude of knowledge and increasing professional individualism.
The training courses aim at the professional and human growth of the young craftsmen, and the development of manual skills, alongside art-historical learning, knowledge of the materials used, and the acquisition of technical and technological proficiency.
Teaching activities include cycles of lectures, seminars, guided tours and study visits to various locations in Italy. The theoretical lessons are held in Vatican City State, in the classrooms specifically set up in the premises of the Palazzo della Canonica, and the workshop activities are carried out in the workshops of the Fabric of Saint Peter. Through this form of active apprenticeship and generational transmission of knowledge, students are able to immerse themselves in the life of the Vatican Basilica and get to know its spirituality, places, people and organization.
Participation in the School also offers the opportunity to construct an educating community, formed in a spirit of fraternity and with a view to integral human growth, as an alternative to the solitude of knowledge and increasing professional individualism.
TRAINING PROJECT
The School offers five courses: stonecutters and marble workers; bricklayers, plasterers, and decorators; carpenters; blacksmiths; and mosaicists.
Throughout the duration of the courses, the School provides free accommodation for students, where they will live together, as well as access to the Vatican Canteen for lunch. The community aspect is a key added value of this experience.
How it is structured
The courses last six months, from October to March, with mandatory attendance. Classes, held at the premises of the Fabbrica di San Pietro inside Vatican City, total 600 hours—200 of which are dedicated to core subjects, specialized courses, and extracurricular activities, while 400 are reserved for hands-on lab practice.
Students are required to attend at least 75% of the total hours outlined in the curriculum.
Eligibility
The School is open to 20 young men and women aged 18 to 25 who hold an artistic diploma, a technical diploma (specifically for CAT courses), a professional institute diploma (specifically in Maintenance), a vocational diploma (specifically in Woodworking and Artistic Processing), or a foreign qualification equivalent to the Italian diploma. University students who meet the requirements are also eligible. Both Italian and international students may apply, provided they have a B2 level proficiency in Italian.
Candidates must pass a selection process to assess their logical and technical skills, as well as their motivation.
Upon passing the final exam, students will receive a Certificate of Competence.
Throughout the duration of the courses, the School provides free accommodation for students, where they will live together, as well as access to the Vatican Canteen for lunch. The community aspect is a key added value of this experience.
How it is structured
The courses last six months, from October to March, with mandatory attendance. Classes, held at the premises of the Fabbrica di San Pietro inside Vatican City, total 600 hours—200 of which are dedicated to core subjects, specialized courses, and extracurricular activities, while 400 are reserved for hands-on lab practice.
Students are required to attend at least 75% of the total hours outlined in the curriculum.
Eligibility
The School is open to 20 young men and women aged 18 to 25 who hold an artistic diploma, a technical diploma (specifically for CAT courses), a professional institute diploma (specifically in Maintenance), a vocational diploma (specifically in Woodworking and Artistic Processing), or a foreign qualification equivalent to the Italian diploma. University students who meet the requirements are also eligible. Both Italian and international students may apply, provided they have a B2 level proficiency in Italian.
Candidates must pass a selection process to assess their logical and technical skills, as well as their motivation.
Upon passing the final exam, students will receive a Certificate of Competence.
CURRICULUM
Core Subjects
- History of Artistic Techniques
- Form, Space, Matter: Foundations of Architectural History
- Elements of Construction History: Techniques, Structures, and Building Sites
- Materials, Technologies, and Crafting Methods
- The Basilica of St. Peter in Vatican City
- Biblical and Theological Foundations
Specialized Subjects
STONECUTTERS AND MARBLE WORKERS COURSE
BRICKLAYERS, PLASTERERS, DECORATORS COURSE
CARPENTERS COURSE
BLACKSMITHS COURSE
MOSAICISTS COURSE
WORKSHOPS
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Seminars, field visits, and educational tours
- Stone materials in traditional construction: characteristics and uses
- Tools and techniques for working with stone: manual skills and new technologies
BRICKLAYERS, PLASTERERS, DECORATORS COURSE
- Traditional masonry: materials, techniques, and procedures
- Stucco works: supports, components, execution techniques
- Plastering: materials and techniques
- Fresco and decoration on plaster: materials and execution procedures
CARPENTERS COURSE
- Wood species: characteristics and uses
- Wood in architecture and art: history and technique
- Woodworking techniques: traditional and digital
BLACKSMITHS COURSE
- Iron in architecture: history and techniques
- Tools, methods, and metalworking procedures
- Mechanical drawing and measuring techniques
- Elements of chemistry and physics of metals
MOSAICISTS COURSE
- History of mosaic art
- Mosaic materials and working techniques
- Computer graphics for mosaic decoration
WORKSHOPS
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Seminars, field visits, and educational tours
ADMISSION PROCESS
Candidates must submit their application by filling out the specific form.
The deadline for submitting applications is July 15, 2024.
The deadline for submitting applications is July 15, 2024.
CONTACT INFORMATION
For any further information:
Email the School’s Office at scuola.artiemestieri@fsp.va
Visit the website of the Fondazione Fratelli Tutti
Email the School’s Office at scuola.artiemestieri@fsp.va
Visit the website of the Fondazione Fratelli Tutti
