Baroque buildings (cathedral & churches) in the World. Baroque period architecture characteristics. The world’s most important baroque style architecture examples and features. Here are the most famous examples of baroque architecture…
Baroque buildings takes its name from the Portuguese word “barocco”, which means “curved pearl that is not perfectly round”. In the early 16th century, it was first introduced in Italy by the Catholic Church to reduce interest in the Protestant movement. Apart from Italy, it is possible to come across very impressive baroque style architecture examples in countries such as France, England, Bohemia and Spain. In this article, we have examined the most famous baroque buildings (cathedral & churces) in Europe. Here are baroque period architecture characteristics and examples that we have selected for you.
Note: You can read our “Baroque Architecture Characteristics” article to learn the answers to questions ‘What is Baroque?’, ‘When, where and how did Baroque architecture emerge?’, ‘What are the characteristics of Baroque architecture?’.
Contents
Famous Baroque Buildings (Cathedral & Churches)
Baroque Period Architecture Characteristics
Baroque buildings is defined by its grandeur, drama, dynamic movement, tension, emotions and the merging of different artistic disciplines. Here are some of the key characteristics of Baroque period architecture:
- Richly decorated surfaces, with elaborate details such as sculptures, stucco work, frescoes, and gilding.
- Curved lines, undulating forms, and complex geometries are prominent.
- Facades often feature concave and convex forms, creating a sense of movement and depth.
- Architecture is integrated with painting, sculpture, and decorative arts to create a unified and immersive experience. Ceilings and walls are often covered with frescoes and paintings that continue the architectural lines and themes.
- Light plays a crucial role in Baroque buildings. Windows, sometimes in unexpected places, are used to create dramatic contrasts of light and shadow.
- Designs often emphasize a central point, such as a dome or an altar, drawing the viewer’s eye towards it. This central focus can be seen in Baroque cathedral, churches and palaces.
- Monumental staircases are a hallmark of Baroque palaces and public Baroque buildings, often designed as focal points within the interior space.
- The use of ovals and ellipses in floor plans is common.
Baroque Style Architecture Examples
1. Palace of Versailles, Paris, France
The Palace of Versailles (Versailles), one of the most beautiful examples of baroque architecture built by Louis XIV, who wrote his name in the history of France as the “Sun King”, is located near Paris. This magnificent palace, which fascinates with its mirrored hall, baroque gardens, fountains and eye-catching architecture, has been serving as a public museum since 1837. Louis XIV, the powerful French king of the period, built this palace on the basis of a project that would make the world famous in every sense by creating a new center of attraction. The Versailles palace, which was also the home of the rich aristocratic families of the period, ranks first among the world’s most famous baroque style architecture examples.
2. St. Charles Church (Karlskirche), Vienna, Austria
The Habsburg Dynasty was very powerful in the predominantly Catholic Austria of the Baroque period. We can see the reflections of Vienna’s wealth in the 17th and 18th centuries in many of the Baroque period architecture that remain popular today. One of these works is the Church of St. Charles (Karl’s Church) or Karlskirche in German, designed by Austrian architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach and completed in 1737.
3. Santiago de Compostela Cathedral (The Western Facade), Spain
The baroque style west façade of this unique building, which was formed by the combination of Baroque, Romanesque and Gothic architecture over time, was built by the famous architect Fernando de Casas Novoa in the 18th century. It is claimed that St. James, one of the 12 apostles of the Christian religion, is buried in the cathedral, which is a very successful example of baroque architecture. Because of this legend, Santiago de Compostela Cathedral has been one of the most important pilgrimage spots since the 8th century. Located at the north-western tip of Spain, this cathedral has made the city a center of attraction with its historical texture.
4. Church of San Carlo (St. Charles at the Four Fountains), Rome, Italy
Completed in 1670 by Francesco Borromini, one of the most important baroque architects of the period, the church is also known as San Carlino or St. Charles. The building, which was planned together with the monastery at the time, is one of the first independent works of the architect. It is even written that the famous architect did not receive any remuneration to create his first work. However, due to financial difficulties, the design took quite a long time to complete. The four different fountains at the intersection of the streets and the name of the church are among the interesting features of the baroque church.
5. St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City
One of the first images that comes to mind when you think of the Vatican is the large square in front of St. Peter’s Basilica (St. Peter’s Square / Piazza San Pietro). This famous square, which was built by Lorenzo Bernini, one of the famous sculptors and architects of the period; with its large columns decorated with statues of 140 saints, it almost imprisons the person inside. At the very center of the square is a 25 meter high Egyptian obelisk erected by Pope Sixtus V in 1586. There are two pools symmetrically placed on the right and left sides of the obelisk. The Vatican, the seat of the Papacy, welcomes millions of Catholic Christians and tourists every year in this beautiful square of baroque period architecture.
6. Les Invalides, Paris, France
One of the cornerstones of French baroque buildings, Les Invalides complex was built in Paris by Louis XIV in memory of those who gave their lives in defense of the monarchy of the time. Completed between 1671 and 1678 by the famous French architect Liberal Bruant, the baroque style architecture served as a guesthouse, retirement home and hospital for veteran soldiers at the time. Today, this building, which contains many museums and monuments, continues to serve as the Hôtel national des Invalides for French veterans. It is also home to the tombs of many French national heroes, including Napoleon.
7. Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna, Austria
Schönbrunn, which means “beautiful fountain”, was built as the summer palace of the Habsburg Emperor. Today it is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Austria with its magnificent architecture and large gardens, and is also known as the Versailles of Austria. Another feature of this palace is that it was one of the favorite places of Empress Elisabeth, the wife of Emperor Franz Joseph. For this reason, it is stated that the palace, which aims to reflect the richness by paying extreme attention to its interior design and landscape, was built as a kind of rival to the Versailles palace.
8. St. Paul’s Cathedral, London, England
Until 1962, St. Paul’s Cathedral was the tallest building in London and was built in 1666 to replace the church damaged in the Great Fire of London. The work, considered one of the most beautiful works of the English baroque cathedral, was commissioned by the English architect Sir Christopher Wren. The same architect was also involved in the construction of more than 50 churches damaged by the Great Fire. Today the cathedral is the seat of the Diocese of London and is one of the most visited places in London by foreign tourists.
9. Winter Palace, Saint Petersburg, Russia
Built by the famous Russian emperor Peter I, aka Peter the Mad, as his own living quarters, the Winter Palace continued to serve as an official residence during the Romanov reign until the Russian Revolution. Designed by Italian architect Domenico Trezzini, the palace underwent many renovations. Most of its current appearance is the result of its restoration after a fire in the 1830s. Today, the Winter Palace is home to the Hermitage Museum, which displays all the charm of baroque buildings.
10. Royal Palace of Madrid, Spain
There are 3,418 rooms in the Royal Palace of Madrid, which today hosts state ceremonies and is partly used as a museum. The palace is one of the largest palaces in Europe. The palace dates back to 1735, when King Felipe V started to build it. The new palace has many special details, from the interior decoration of the rooms to the fine details of the palace architecture. The palace gardens, which are indispensable for the baroque period architecture, are also among the important beauties of the building.
11. Belvedere Palace, Vienna, Austria
Another example of baroque style architecture that reveals the power and wealth of the Austrian Empire is the Belvedere Palace, built by architect Johann Lucas von Hildebrandt on the orders of Prince Eugen of Savoy between 1668-1745. The palace, which contains many works of art with its magnificent gardens and two-part building structure, is now used as a museum. After World War 2, the treaty that liberated Austria was signed in this palace in 1955. Therefore, Belvedere Palace has a very important place in the history of Austria.
12. Cathedral of Zacatecas, Mexico
Located in the center of the historic city of Zacatecas, Mexico, the cathedral is the most important work of Mexican baroque architecture. The cathedral, which was completed between 1730-1760, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
13. Juliusz Słowacki Theatre, Krakow, Polonya
World War 2 was not as badly damaged as Warsaw, but Krakow is the second largest city in Poland, the historical and cultural capital of the country and home to many beautiful buildings. One of them is the Juliusz Słowacki theater, built in 1893 by architect Jan Zawiejski based on 17th century baroque architecture. Modeled after the famous opera houses in Paris and Vienna, this building is a real eye-catcher.
14. Frauenkirche Church, Dresden, Germany
Dresden is a city of art and music with its stunning baroque buildings and cultural heritage. Built in the 18th century, the building, one of the most important baroque churches of its period, was completely destroyed during the bombing of Dresden in World War II. For 50 years, the church remained in ruins as a war memorial and was rebuilt after the reunification of Germany. Today, the church, which is in a very strong and strong condition, awaits its visitors in the center of Dresden.
15. Monastery of the Caves (Pechersk Lavra), Kiev, Ukraine
One of the cities where you can see the best Baroque style architecture examples is Kiev. This structure, also known as the Kiev Cave Monastery (Kiev Pechersk Lavra), reflects Ukrainian baroque architecture. Examples of baroque buildings, which began to emerge with the arrival of the Kazakhs in the 17th and 18th centuries, are mostly seen in Orthodox monasteries. Unlike Europe, baroque buildings, which are generally built more simply, look quite impressive.
In this article, we shared the most famous Baroque buildings (cathedral & churches) in Europe. If there are any other baroque style architecture examples that you think should be on our list, please share them with us in the comments. Don’t forget to visit our homepage for inspiration on different topics related to interior design & architecture! 🙂
