Sixtus V's Urban Planning: Rome's Baroque Transformation

Sixtus V's Vision for Rome

Goyo XIII established a law that allowed and recommended opening large avenues for communication. Sixtus V capitalized on the decline of Philip II, transforming Rome into the capital of the Catholic world. He justified his actions with religious reasoning, constructing basilicas and avenues to facilitate communication. These avenues served as focal points for pilgrims, creating a dynamic urban space.

The Strada Felice and Fontana's Commission

Sixtus V commissioned Domenico Fontana to create the Strada Felice, a grand avenue bearing his name. Fontana also designed the Piazza del Popolo, connecting it to the Basilica of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme. Sixtus V chose this route because it forced passage through the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a place he venerated.

Focal Points and Religious Symbolism

The religious focal points included obelisks and the two great Roman commemorative columns in the forum. Crosses were placed on the obelisks (symbolizing triumph over ancient religions), and statues of St. Peter and St. Paul were placed on the columns (representing the triumph of the Church of Christ over the ancient Roman world). These focal points created a dynamic space designed to impress pilgrims.

Dynamic Urbanism vs. Renaissance Staticism

The open spaces were crucial for creating a dynamic urbanism, unlike the static urbanism of the Renaissance. The Baroque period emphasized internal movement and the necessity of walking. The Renaissance was characterized by static and enclosed spaces, while the Baroque embraced dynamism and movement.

The Strada Felice and Key Landmarks

The section of the street between Piazza del Popolo and Santa Maria del Monte was significant. In the 18th century, a grand staircase was built to address the unfinished space, with steps in the Piazza of the Barcat. Domenico Fontana found an important crossroads from Holy Trinity to Mount St. Mary Major. Gregory XIII had already begun construction of a palace of Retiro on this hill. Sixtus V recognized its importance and utilized the four corners, commissioning four sources and monuments. He also moved water from the hills, using aqueducts to create monumental fountains to adorn the new city. This area connected to the Quirinal and included the Villa Montalto, which belonged to Sixtus V. He also drew an avenue that went to St. Mary of the Angels and connected to San Lorenzo, which was outside the walls.

This urban planning underscored the religious spirit of the Counter-Reformation, with Rome as the center of the Catholic world, constantly seeking to spread the spirit of Trent.