Rome’s Signature Buildings - Rome - page 740

columned peristyle, it's symmetrical and perfectly proportioned, its design clearly inspired
by Rome's classical temples.
St Peter's Basilica
The greatest of all Renaissance churches, St Peter's ( Click here ) was worked on by a
small army of Renaissance and baroque architects, including Bramante, Bernini, Raphael
and Michelangelo. In architectural terms, the two key features are Michelangelo's ex-
traordinary dome - which at the time was the world's tallest structure - and Carlo
Maderno's columned facade. Inside, the look is pure baroque with acres of polished
marble and imposing sculptures set in niches.
Chiesa del Gesù
Counter-Reformation Rome saw an outbreak of artistic and architectural activity as the
papacy sought to reassert its authority against the threat of Protestantism. One of the finest
churches dating from this period is the late-16th-century Chiesa del Gesù ( Click here ),
whose Giacomo della Porta-designed facade proved highly influential. Originally the
church had an austere look, in line with early Counter-Reformation thinking, but when the
baroque took hold in the 17th century the decorators moved in and the interior now sports
more ornate decor.