A Tour of Renaissance Architecture in Italy

By Alyssa Hall

Characteristics of

ò  Square, symmetrical plan

ò  Roman order columns

ò  Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, Composite

ò  Domes

Renaissance Architecture

ò  Semi-circular arches

ò  Symmetrical façade around vertical axis

ò  Flat or coffered ceilings

ò  Frescos

Walking Tour

List of Places To Visit

A. Via di Santo Spirito

B. Palazzo Rucellai

C. Basilica di San Lorenzo

D. Palazzo Medici Riccardi

E. Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore

F. Palazzo Vecchietti

G. Bargello

H. Pazzi Chapel Walking Duration: 40 minutes of travel Distance: 3.3 km (2 miles)

Basilica di Santo Spirito

ò Built in 1250

ò Built after a model by Brunelleschi

ò Conceived as a twin to the church of San Lorenzo

ò Interior is one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture

Palazzo Rucellai

ò  Designed by Alberti

ò  Built in 1466

ò  Designed as a residence

ò  8 smaller buildings combined with a central courtyard

ò  One of the oldest and most prestigious historical residences in Florence

Basilica di San Lorenzo

ò  One of the oldest and largest churches in the history of Florence

ò  Dates back to the late Roman era

ò  Today the structure stands incomplete with the façade in plain brick

ò  Interior has white and grey columns with beautiful decoration of marble in front of the altar

ò  One of the best examples of the immergence of Renaissance style of architecture

Palazzo Medici Riccardi

ò  Built by Michelozzo

ò  Became the prototype of Renaissance civil architecture

ò  Symbol of the political and cultural primacy of the Medici in Florence

Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore

ò The largest brick dome in the world

ò Translates to the Saint Mary of the Flower

ò Dedicated to Madonna or the Virgin Mary

ò Brunelleschi renovated the church in 1420 and built the dome

Palazzo Vecchietti

ò Today it is a historical luxurious hotel

ò Originally belonged to one of the most influential families of the city, the Vecchietti family

ò The façade and “Satiro” statue still intact today

Bargello Museum

ò  Exterior of a fortress

ò  Houses some of the most important pieces of Renaissance sculptures and works of art

ò  One of the oldest structures in Florence

ò  Built in 1255

ò  Throughout history it has served as a fortress, a Palace, a Prison, and now a museum

Pazzi Chapel

ò  Considered to be the epitome of Renaissance architecture

ò  Ornate, detailed, and irregular complex structures

ò  Designed by Brunelleschi

ò  The chapel wasn’t built until 1441 and wasn’t completed until 1460, almost 2 years after Brunelleschi’s death