History of Renaissance architecture

The Renaissance style in Florence, Italy began in the early 14th century. This style of architecture was more modern and classic than the Gothic style. Although it was a new style at the time, it soon spread throughout Europe. Inspired by the style of ancient Roman and Greek architecture can be seen in this style.

The Renaissance style focused on order and geometry of proportion and balance. Just as in ancient classical architecture, especially in Rome, this style was prevalent until the 16th century and then gave way to the Baroque style.

The first architect of the Renaissance style

The Renaissance style of architecture was first recorded in the world by Filippo Brunelleschi, an architect from Florence, Italy, with the construction of the Cathedral of Florence, and established his name as the creator of this style.

Features of Renaissance architectural style

This style, like other styles, has features that by knowing them, you can recognize buildings that have been built in this style. These features include the following:

Rectangular structure

One of the features of the Renaissance style is seen in its square and rectangular plan and everything in it is parallel and symmetrical.

Use columns
In the Renaissance style, inspired by Roman and ancient Greek architecture, columns were used as part of the main structure of the building. The columns created balance and symmetry and also supported the top layer of the building, creating a special and different look in the building structure.

Gonbad
The dome is one of the most important features of this style. A dome that shows the construction of the Renaissance style building well in its appearance. This feature of short and circular ceilings came after the long and angular styles of the Gothic style.

Symmetrical view
Another feature of the Renaissance style is the symmetry of the building facade, which is designed with a special balance on both sides, which shows the Renaissance of the building. Columns and windows and the whole structure can be seen in parallel on each side of the building facade.

Arched windows
Unlike the Gothic style where everything was angled and pointed, nothing in the Renaissance style was angled. The main feature of the Renaissance style is the curved lines, which are exemplified by arched windows.

The windows themselves are rectangular, but their design has been such that curvature can be seen everywhere in this style of architecture.

Smooth and painted roof
In the Renaissance style, the ceilings were designed smooth and closed and decorated with various paintings.

Details and engravings
Engraving and artistic details are another feature of the Renaissance style that can be seen in most examples of this style. In the interior design and exterior of the Renaissance style, these details and the splendor created can be seen. And these decorations along with the painted ceilings have made this style look fantastic.

In addition, works of art such as sculptures that filled the niches on the wall were seen in this style.

Religious orientation
Most churches in this period were designed and built in the Renaissance style. Hence, this style seems to have a religious focus.

Characteristics of the Renaissance style

Symmetrical arrangement of windows and doors
Square-shaped horseshoe
Gonbad
The interior roof is flat or hollow
Extensive use of classic columns and columns attached to the wall (wall columns)
Decorations above the door or the same triangular centaurs
Niches inside the wall that were filled with sculptures.

Examples of Renaissance style architecture

Florence Cathedral

This church is located in Florence, Italy and is the most famous example of the Renaissance style. Some call it the architect Filippo Brunelleschi, while others call it the Church of the Holy Spirit. The construction of this church was done between 1428 and 1434.

St. Peter’s Cathedral – Basilica of St.Peter

The most famous church in the Vatican, Italy, and the largest church in the world is St. Peter’s Basilica, built in 1626 and taking nearly 120 years to build. One of the best known examples of the Renaissance style is St. Peter’s Basilica.

St. Peter’s Cathedral – Basilica of St.Peter

The most famous church in the Vatican, Italy, and the largest church in the world is St. Peter’s Basilica, built in 1626 and taking nearly 120 years to build. One of the best known examples of the Renaissance style is St. Peter’s Basilica.