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?’.

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! 🙂

This Article The Most Famous Baroque Buildings (Cathedral & Churches) Was Originally Published on This Website: DeCombo. The Source of the Article is This Website.

What is Baroque Architecture?

The root of the word baroque comes from the Portuguese word barocco, which means “not perfectly round, crooked pearl”. The word baroque, which is still widely used today; It is preferred to express a particular style in various fields such as architecture, music, painting, theater and literature. Baroque art is generally seen in architectural structures.

Note: Don’t forget to read our article about the history of architecture and architectural styles from prehistory to the present!

Baroque Architecture History

When and Where Did Baroque Architecture Emerge?

Baroque architecture originated in Italy in the 16th century. This style, which is connected with show, theater and colors; It took its place in the history of art as a general dynamic architectural movement that spread from Italy to Europe between the 16th and 18th centuries. Most of the art movements that have survived to the present day are born critically of the previous movement. Baroque architecture emerged at the end of the Renaissance architecture period and left its place to Rococo style architecture towards the end of the 18th century.

The place where the Baroque style first emerged and developed in architecture is the region in Italy that includes Rome and its surroundings. The first example of Baroque architecture is the Gesu Church, the construction of which was started in Rome in 1568 by the famous architect Giacomo Barozzi da Vignolala (1507-1579). With its curved corner supports connecting the floors, curvilinear lines, protruding double leg structure and light and shadow plays, this church has inspired many churches that will emerge in the future.

Why and How Did Baroque Style Architecture Emerge?

Baroque style architecture emerged in Rome with the idea of turning the public’s attention away from Protestantism and regaining lost souls by the Catholic Church against the ever-growing Protestant movement. During this period, baroque buildings were used as a propaganda tool of the church. These structures shaped around Rome and the Papacy; It has been presented to the society as a way of salvation with an understanding that aims to strengthen the Christian spirit again. By combining the act of going to church with a different experience, it is aimed to reinvigorate unconditional trust and belief in the Catholic Church. While doing this, Catholic symbolism was adhered to. In this sense, the most well-known building in the world is the Basilica of San Pietro in the Vatican, built by Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini (1598-1680).

Baroque architecture has positioned itself as a stance against the Renaissance on the basis of artistic thought. In the 16th century, European countries started to develop along with colonialism, and with this development, a visible change in the styles of the artists came to the fore. Artists have started to create more enthusiastic and magnificent works.

It also gained importance in the landscape during this period, and as of the 17th century, it took its place in the history of architecture as a new and interesting style. In the same period, the reflection of Baroque architecture in Europe; It was with the magnificent palaces built by the mighty princes of the period to show the power of the kingdom.

This movement has been very effective on shaping the nature as well as the splendor of the buildings. Magnificent statues, fountains, huge gardens, ornate and eye-catching halls, murals, paintings on gods and mythology are the prominent elements of the baroque period. The most popular Baroque Palace of the 17th century, which contains all these features, is the world-famous Palace of Versailles in Paris.

Baroque Architecture Characteristics

The most striking building types in Baroque architecture are churches and palaces. Baroque architecture changes the classical form of traditional elements such as columns, arches, triangular pediments, friezes, using creative and strange ways. The pediments above the doors and windows are usually in the form of a semicircle or triangle. Baroque architecture characteristics are briefly as follows:

• Facades with curved walls
• Wide naves with oval and half medallion forms in religious places
• Unfinished or intentionally left unfinished architectural elements
• Detailed interiors, concave and convex surfaces outdoors
• Large ceiling frescoes
• Magnificent paintings with mythological figures
• Dramatic use of light, strong light and shadow effect
• Intense use of colors and rich embellishments
• Wooden figures mostly covered with gold
• An inner shell decorated with paintings, sculptures and stucco on the inside
• Blending painting and sculpture and visual illusions with illusory effects
• Plague Pillars erected to commemorate the end of the plague epidemic

Baroque Architecture Examples by Country

France:

Contrary to the religious focus in Italy, the primary purpose of Baroque architecture in France was King XIV. It was to glorify Louis and his power. The French monarchy and the wealthy elite used Baroque architecture to build castles, mansions, and palaces. Landscape architects, interior designers and architects began to work together, thanks to ornate gardens and interior designs.

England:

The transition to the baroque style in Great Britain has been rather slow. It was adapted in less exaggeration by Sir Christopher Wren (1632-1723), influenced by French architects. St Paul’s Cathedral in London is one of the best-known examples of baroque architecture in England.

Bohemia:

Bohemia as it was called at that time, that is today’s Czechia and Slovakia region; This new Catholic approach, baroque architecture, was adopted in a very short time. Wealthy nobles invited Italian architects to their domains and pioneered the formation of the regional style known as the Bohemian Baroque. One of the most important works of the region is the church of St. Nicolas in Prague.

Spain:

This style, which progressed very slowly in the Iberian region, accelerated with the 18th century. The Churriguereque style, named after an architect family from Salamanca; It appears on carefully decorated surfaces and facades containing carved figures in architecture. It is possible to see many examples of religious and civil baroque architecture in Salamanca, Seville and Andalusia. The most important Baroque monument of the region is the Royal Palace in Madrid.

In this article, we tried to briefly answer the questions of ‘What is baroque architecture‘ and ‘What are baroque architecture characteristics‘. Don’t forget to visit our homepage for inspiration on different topics related to interior design & architecture! 🙂

This Article What is Baroque Architecture? Characteristics & Examples Was Originally Published on This Website: DeCombo. The Source of the Article is This Website.