Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Understanding Architecture in Tuscany
The survival of so many fine Gothic
and Renaissance buildings is part of
Tuscany's immense appeal. Whole streets
and squares, such as the Piazza dei Priori in
Volterra
(see p167)
and the streets around the
Mercato Nuovo in Florence, and even towns
such as San Gimignano, have scarcely
changed since the 16th century. Simple
clues, such as the shape of arches, windows and doorways,
reveal the style of the building and when it was built.
Romanesque capital
Gothic palazzi in Cortona
ROMANESQUE (5TH TO
MID-13TH CENTURIES)
The Tuscan Romanesque
style developed from late
Roman architecture. Early
Tuscan churches, such as
Sant'Antimo
(see pp44-5)
,
have round arches, Roman-
style columns and arcades.
Profuse surface decoration
was introduced in the 12th
century, resulting in the
jewel-like church façades
of Pisa and Lucca.
Interlace
and knots are
typical motifs.
Gables
often
have three tiers
of arcading.
Capitals
are
carved with
animal and
human heads.
A twisted
knot
The central portal
is flanked by
smaller side doors.
Pisa's San Paolo a Ripa
d'Arno
(see p161)
,
begun in 1210, has
restrained geometric
patterns on the lower
façade and exuberant
arcades above.
Marble patterning
on stonework
GOTHIC (13TH TO MID-
15TH CENTURIES)
Pointed arches are the key
feature of Gothic architec-
ture. The style was intro-
duced to Tuscany by French
Cistercian monks who built
the abbey of San Galgano
in 1218
(see p224)
. Siena
then made this style her
own, using it for the city's
Duomo, palazzi and civic
buildings such as Palazzo
Pubblico
(see pp218-23)
.
Pinnacles
, like
miniature spires,
bristle from the
roofline.
Gabled niches
,
sheltering statues of
saints or Apostles, are
a Gothic innovation.
Pointed
gables
The crockets
are shaped
like leaves and flowers.
Santa Maria della Spina
(1230 -1323), with its
pointed gables and spikey
pinnacles
(see p161)
, is a
typical example of Pisan
Gothic architecture.
St Luke, from
Orsanmichele
