Architecture of Rome
The architecture of Rome over the centuries has greatly developed from Ancient Roman architecture to Italian modern and contemporary architecture. Rome was once the world's main epicentres of Classical architecture, developing new forms such as the arch, the dome and the vault. The Romanesque style in the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries was also widely used in Roman architecture, and later the city became one of the main centres of Renaissance and Baroque architecture.[1] Rome's cityscape is also widely Neoclassical and Fascist in style.
Ancient Rome
During the Roman Republic, most Roman buildings were made of concrete and bricks, but ever since about 100 BC and the Roman Empire, marble and gold were more widely used as decoration themes in the architecture of Rome, especially in temples, palaces, fora and public buildings in general.[1] Most buildings, just like in Classical Athens, had caryatids and atlantes supporting balconies or structures, mainly representing standing women or muscular men. The caryatids found in ancient Roman architecture were mainly copies of the Greek ones, just like in the Forum of Augustus.[1]
Romanesque
Rome has a rich and diverse Romanesque heritage. Many of the first Christian churches in the world were constructed in Rome, and Byzantine churches were mainly based on the Roman basilica. They were often oblong or geometric, with three naves and full of rich golden mosaics.[1] Later Romanesque churches in Rome were more round, using the Roman arch.
Examples of buildings from this period include the
Renaissance
Rome is widely regarded as being the second
Baroque
Rome is widely regarded as being the epicentre of Baroque architecture, and was profoundly influenced by the movement. Roman baroque architecture was widely based on Classical symmetry, but broke many of the architectural rules, creating a far richer and more elaborate style, preferring grandiosity and opulence rather than Renaissance classicism and elegance. Putti, or child cupids and cherubs, were popular in Baroque architectural design.
The city is famous for its many huge and majestic Baroque squares (often adorned with
One of the most emblematic Baroque structure is the
Neoclassical Rome
In 1870, Rome became the capital city of the new
One of the best-known symbols of Roman neoclassicism is the
Fascist architecture
The Fascist regime that ruled in Italy between 1922 and 1943 developed an architectural style that was characterised by its links with ancient Roman architecture.
The most important Fascist site in Rome is the
The Palazzo della Farnesina, the current seat of Italian Foreign Ministry, was also designed in 1935 in Fascist style.
See also
- Ancient monuments in Rome
- Bridges in Rome
- Churches of Rome
- Talking statues of Rome
- Tallest buildings in Rome
References
- ^ ISBN 1-4053-1090-1.
External links
- Roman architecture – Overview at World History Encyclopedia