St. Peter's Colonnade: Architectural Masterpiece
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St. Peter's Colonnade
Building System
Arquitravat
Dimensions
15m high columns
Elements
Colonnade supporting an entablature surmounted by a balustrade and statues.
Interior Space
Bernini's design addressed several challenges:
- Protocol: Accommodating a large number of pilgrims.
- Topography: Working with uneven terrain.
- Visibility: Creating a space that didn't obstruct the view of the basilica or surrounding palaces.
- Focal Point: Integrating the Egyptian obelisk as the square's centerpiece.
- Symbolism: Imbuing the square with significance as a symbol of the Church.
Bernini's solution involved a two-part design: two straight, slightly converging arms leading to an elliptical space centered around the obelisk and flanked by fountains. The portico comprises four rows of Doric columns with an Ionic entablature. The 296 columns create a seemingly endless forest, separating the square from the outside world without creating a visual break.
The colonnade is crowned with a balustrade adorned with 140 statues of saints.
Style
The colonnade embodies key Baroque characteristics:
- Functionality
- Symbolism
- Theatricality
The design echoes the straight arms of the Piazza del Campidoglio. Both squares employ an optical illusion that magnifies the dimensions of the main facade.
Content and Meaning
Bernini, who dedicated much of his life to St. Peter's, aimed to create a space that would enhance the approach to the basilica. Exiting the square, the dome becomes more prominent. The single-level design partially corrects the disproportion of the church's facade. However, art historian Argan noted that Bernini's design makes it impossible to fully appreciate the basilica's complete structure. According to Argan, Bernini's St. Peter's Basilica is more imagined than seen.
Function
St. Peter's Square serves as a grand entrance to the basilica, befitting its importance. It creates a natural connection between the basilica and the city while defining a privileged access to sacred ground.