24th May, 2024
This article explores the distinctive characteristics, origins, and notable examples of Baroque architecture, a style renowned for its grandeur, opulence, and dramatic intensity, particularly in Rome and its influence on sculpture and painting, spanning Europe, Latin America, and Asia.
While the original basilica dates back to the Renaissance, its facade and piazza, designed by Carlo Maderno and Gian Lorenzo Bernini respectively, are quintessentially Baroque. The expansive colonnade of St. Peter’s Square symbolises the embracing arms of the church.
Designed by Bernini, this church features an elliptical plan and a richly decorated interior that exemplifies the Baroque fascination with curves and light.
A masterpiece by Francesco Borromini, this church is noted for its undulating facade and innovative use of space and light.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by Portuguese colonisers, features a facade adorned with Corinthian columns and Baroque decorations, highlighting the style’s global reach.