Italy's 5 Stunning Baroque Architectural Masterpieces to Explore
Baroque Splendour in the Heart of Rome
The Baroque movement, a theatrical and ornate style that emerged in 17th-century Italy, has left an indelible mark on the city of Rome. Several monuments across the city, including the Church of San Marcello al Corso, the Church of the Gesu, and Santa Maria della Pace, still embody the splendour of this artistic era.
The Church of San Marcello al Corso, redesigned in the late 17th century by Carlo Fontana, stands as a testament to the Baroque movement at its height. The facade, executed in travertine and enriched with bas-reliefs and stucco figures, underwent a complete transformation, giving the church a new identity as a true manifesto of the Baroque style.
Just a stone's throw away, the Church of the Gesu, or the Church of the Holy Name of Jesus, was built for the Society of Jesus and became their mother church. Constructed between 1568 and 1584 by Giacomo Barozzi da Vignola, it is considered the first Baroque masterpiece in Italy. The church is known for its grand dome, abundant stucco work, and polychrome marble. The shrine of Saint Ignatius, founder of the Jesuits, can be found in the left transept.
Santa Maria della Pace, another jewel of Roman Baroque architecture, was originally built in the 15th century but was later remodelled by Pietro da Cortona in 1656. The facade immediately captures attention with its theatrical elegance. Twin columns, a pronaos, and lateral wings form a setting that feels like a stage design, heightening the dramatic impression.
St Peter's Basilica, completed in 1626 and located in the Vatican, is another iconic example of Baroque art. Although Michelangelo left his mark on the basilica, it was Gian Lorenzo Bernini who gave it its theatricality. Bernini's contributions include the famous Solomonic Columns of the high altar. St Peter's Square, framing sweeping colonnades, embodies Baroque art at its most spectacular.
The Church of Saint Susanna at the Baths of Diocletian is another example of Baroque architecture in Italy. Each of these monuments, standing the test of time, offers a glimpse into the grandeur and artistic brilliance of the Baroque period in Rome.
