The Maturity of Christianity and Renaissance Architecture

Around the 15th century in Western Europe, many well-proportioned works based on proportional relationships were created.
In this article, for those who want to learn about Renaissance architecture, we will introduce its characteristics and works.

What is Renaissance architecture?

Renaissance is a French word meaning 'rebirth,' and in the field of architecture, it refers to the rebirth of ancient Greek and Roman architecture. The Renaissance is said to have begun in 15th-century Florence, with the completion of the cathedral dome designed by Brunelleschi. Subsequently, Bramante, who pursued ideal harmony, and Michelangelo, a master of space, took the lead, and many harmonious works were produced.

Characteristics of Renaissance Architecture

The following are some of the characteristics seen in Renaissance architecture.

1. Pendentive Dome (Cupola)

Although this construction method developed in the Byzantine Empire during the late ancient period, it became generalized in Western Europe during the Renaissance. The background for this is thought to be that many people fled to the Italian peninsula under pressure from the Ottoman Empire on the eve of the fall of the Byzantine Empire in 1453.

2. Human Proportions

As depicted in the 'Vitruvian Man' drawn by Leonardo da Vinci, the geometric figures and their proportional relationships derived from the human body created by God were emphasized.

3. The Five Orders

Introduced by Vignola in 'The Five Orders of Architecture.' Using ancient Roman architecture as a model, the five orders were studied and used in architectural design.

4. Arcade

The arcade, a continuous passageway of arches learned from Roman architecture, was developed. By varying the spacing of the columns, they devised compositions rich in variety.

Introduction to Renaissance Architecture

Many Renaissance buildings remain in Europe. Here, we will introduce five examples of Renaissance architecture!

1. St. Peter's Basilica (1626 / Italy)

St. Peter's Basilica is known as the headquarters of the Catholic Church, located within Vatican City, a country that is entirely designated as a World Heritage site. The basilica is dedicated to Peter, the chief disciple of Christ, and it is said that the site where the basilica stands is where Peter was executed by the Roman Emperor Nero at the time. Construction of the basilica began in 1506 and took over a century to complete. The basic concept was by Bramante, and the implementation design was largely handled by Michelangelo.

2. Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (1436/Italy)

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore was completed in 1436.
Fiore means "flower," and this cathedral is a gorgeous structure built using white, green, and red marble. A notable feature is its large red cupola (dome), which was initially considered impossible to build but was realized through Brunelleschi's tireless research. It is said that Michelangelo remarked that "nothing more beautiful could be created," and it can be called the symbol of Florence, which reached its peak during the Renaissance.

3. Piazza del Campidoglio (1580/Rome, Italy)

The planning for the Piazza del Campidoglio began in 1538. It was triggered by Pope Paul III's order to move the equestrian statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, which had been placed in front of the Lateran Palace, to the Capitoline Hill. Michelangelo was in charge of the design, and later, Della Porta took over the construction. The square features the equestrian statue in the center, surrounded by three buildings, with a complex oval pattern running around it.

4. Tempietto (1502/Italy)

The Tempietto is a masterpiece of the High Renaissance, where a point-symmetrical plan that emphasized harmony was preferred. It was designed by Bramante and is characterized by the use of the Tuscan order.

5. Seville Cathedral (1528/Spain)

Seville is located in the southern part of the Iberian Peninsula and was under Muslim rule in the 8th century, so the Seville Cathedral was also initially built as a mosque. After being recaptured by Christian forces in the 15th century, it underwent major renovations over more than 100 years, resulting in the completion of the largest cathedral in Spain. Seville was a port city that flourished as a trading port with the New World, and 3 tons of gold were used for the world's largest altarpiece.

Introduction to books on Renaissance architecture

From here, I will introduce some books for those who want to know more about Renaissance architecture.

👉 For beginners

1. "The World's Beautiful Churches" (Supervised by Akio Tsukimoto)

This book features churches registered as World Heritage sites. It introduces not only European churches but also churches from all over the world, making it a suitable introductory book for learning about churches.

👉 For intermediate learners

2. "Illustrated History of Christian Church Architecture" (Written by Tomoaki Nakajima)

This is a book that records the history of Christian church architecture. You can well understand what history the church followed and how it led to Renaissance architecture.

3. "The World's Dream Renaissance Architecture" (Written by Junichiro Hikaya)

This book provides a comprehensive introduction to Renaissance architecture, organized by period. It also allows readers to understand the transitions that occurred during the Renaissance.

Conclusion

The Renaissance is well known for its many works of art, such as those by Leonardo da Vinci, but it also holds a significant presence in the field of architecture. Renaissance architecture is primarily found in Florence, so I highly recommend visiting it in person!