Architecture At Its Finest

While we usually imagine paintings and sculptures when thinking about the Renaissance, architecture was a brilliant form of art that should be examined too. Some of the most beautiful and well-known buildings today are from that period of time after all! Here are 20 stunning examples of Renaissance architecture that will seriously take your breath away. 

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1. St. Peter's Basilica

One of the most recognized landmarks on this list, St. Peter's Basilica is an Italian High Renaissance church built in Vatican City. Not only is this considered the largest church in the world, it's one of the greatest examples of Italian Renaissance architecture. Inside, you'll find it filled with the most wonderful Baroque art pieces that give us a look into history's finest artists.

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2. Tempietto

Estimated to have been built as far back as 1502, the Tempietto was commissioned by Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain. Holding incredible religious meaning, this beautifully crafted Italian High Renaissance piece of architecture is a spectacle to behold. Its beautifully round dome and symmetrical column design echo the balance and harmony found in Renaissance art. 

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3. Villa Farnese

This unique pentagon-shaped mansion can be found in Caprarola, Italy. The Villa Farnese sits atop a hill, completely dominating the rest of the little town with its massive size and amazing architecture. The mastermind behind this landmark is Vignola, inspired by the Mannerism style. This genre of art became popular in the Late Italian High Renaissance and prioritized harmony, balance, and elegance above all else; those traits are easily seen in this building!

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4. Basilica Palladiana

This gorgeous Renaissance building can be found in Vicenza, Italy and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994 (alongside the other Palladian buildings nearby). However, its construction took place way farther back then that, being built in the 15th century by Domenico da Venezia. It's considered to be Gothic style and shows early examples of the Palladian window.

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5. Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

Also known as the Florence Cathedral, this stunning Gothic-style landmark is one of the largest churches in Italy (overtaken by St. Peter's Basilica of course). It features a stunning dome and is considered one of the greatest feats of its time. The stunning architecture inspired by many other buildings and designs moving forward. 

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6. Palace of Charles V

This massive building found in southern Spain first started construction in 1527, but wasn't completed until years later in 1637. Designed by one of Michelangelo's pupils, Pedro Machuca was well-versed in Italian High Renaissance art. Said to have been experimental for its time, the square-shaped building hid a circular patio inside, something that went against the harmony most Renaissance styles followed. 

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7. Palazzo Pitti

The Palazzo Pitti is a Renaissance building believed to have been built in 1458. It has seen many iconic figures in its time, including the Medici family and Napoleon. Nowadays, it holds several museums within, showcasing upwards of 500 stunning paintings for locals and tourists to enjoy. While there are plenty of beautiful Renaissance artworks inside, the outside also demonstrates their love of architectural balance. 

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8. Sistine Chapel

Made famous thanks to Michelangelo's stunning works done on the chapel's ceiling and his iconic The Last Judgment, the Sistine Chapel might be the most famous Renaissance building in history. Built between 1473 and 1481, it was named after Pope Sixtus IV. In today's world, it's still used for important purposes, now seen as where new popes get chosen. 

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9. Château de Chambord

This massive and stunning château is quite possibly one of the most recognized in the world and it's not hard to see why. Built by Francis I, the king of France from 1515 to 1547, it was constructed in a way that seamlessly blends traditional French medieval elements with classical Renaissance architecture. Many say its design was heavily influenced by Leonardo da Vinci too!

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10. Basilica di San Lorenzo

As one of the biggest churches in all of Florence, Italy, the Basilica di San Lorenzo is hard to miss; it helps that it's placed smack dab in the middle of the city's main market area too. This stunning work of architecture was mainly done by Filippo Brunelleschi who unfortunately passed before the entire thing was completed. Many historians now view this basilica as an important development in Renaissance architecture as it contains many innovative features having to do with its columns, arches, and proportions.

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11. Olympic Theater

The Olympic Theater, translated from Teatro Olimpico, is incredibly significant for two main reasons. Not only was this remarkable Renaissance feat designed by the amazing Andrea Palladio as his final work, it's also one of three Renaissance theaters still remaining. Deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the stage set is seen as one of the longest-standing in all of history. Now that's some amazing craftsmanship. 

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12. Medici Riccardi Palace

Originally built for the Medici family in 1444, the Medici Riccardi Palace is a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture that has now turned into a museum. It was designed by a man named Michelozzo di Bartolomeo who was influenced by classical Roman elements that were popular during this era. 

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13. Hospital of the Innocents

Translated from Ospedale degli Innocenti, the Hospital of the Innocents is a historical building that was once a children's orphanage. Though it now serves the purpose of being the home for the UNICEF Innocenti Research Centre, it's still marveled for its architectural design, one done during the early Italian Renaissance.

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14. Antwerp City Hall

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Antwerp City Hall was designed by Cornelis Floris de Vriendt alongside many others in 1561. It's simply a beautiful building to look at, taking inspiration from both Flemish and Italian Renaissance influences. During its time, it was seen as a blend of both traditional and new.

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15. Palazzo Vecchio

Though the Palazzo Vecchio has been called many names, one thing that never changes is its beauty. This lovely historic Renaissance building is the town hall of Florence, Italy and was constructed by Arnolfo di Cambio. Though it underwent renovations directed by Cosimo I de Medici, this palace has stood the test of time and gives us a glimpse into old architectural designs. 

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16. San Giorgio Maggiore

Another amazing work of Renaissance architecture designed by the one and only Andrea Palladio, the San Giorgio Maggiore's greatest standout feature is its beautiful basilica done in a classical Renassiance style. Inside, you'll be able to find paintings done by Tintoretto, a very well known Italian Renaissance painter. 

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17. Palazzo Farnese

As one of the most beautiful and important High Renaissance buildings in all of Rome, the Palazzo Farnese (or Farnese Palace) was made by multiple brilliant minds coming together. Though Antonio da Sangallo the Younger was responsible for creating the initial plans, throughout the palace's construction, other big names like Michelangelo and Jacopo Barozzi da Vignola all made valuable contributions.

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18. Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana

Also known as the Marciana Library or Library of Saint Mark, the Bilbioteca Nazionale Marciana is important not just for its beautiful Renaissance design, but because it's also one of the oldest public libraries around. The chief architect was Jacopo Sansovino and his amazing work led this to become an important example of Venetian Renaissance architecture. It was done so well, even the great Andrea Palladio praised it! 

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19. Rucellai Palace

Built between 1446 and 1451 by architect Leon Battista Alberti, the Rucellai Palace is remembered as an early example of Renaissance architecture that explored new approaches. The amount of detail put into the pilasters and entablatures is wonderful and it's amazing seeing how this three-level building is so perfectly symmetrical and balanced. 

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20. Basilica di Sant'Andrea

Though it took 328 years to complete, we're lucky to be able to witness the grandeur that is the Basilica di Sant'Andrea. Designed by Leon Battista Alberti, this church is seen as one of the major works done in the 15th century Italian Renaissance. Mainly constructed with bricks, it featured many of the familiar Renaissance elements such as arches, columns, and pilasters. 

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