The Tempietto is a small commemorative martyrium (or tomb) built by Donato Bramante in the courtyard of San Pietro in Montorio in Rome. Dating to the 16th century, it is considered a masterpiece of High Renaissance Italian architecture. Harmonious, restrained and elegant, it is one of the most beautiful buildings of the period and is a must-see for architecture lovers and nerds. Just find a holiday rental in Rome and make time for this lesser-known, but exceptional, architectural gem.
Commissioned by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, construction was probably begun around 1510 and the design was based on ancient buildings such as what was thought to be the Temple of Vesta at the time and the Pantheon. However, the circular shape is inspired by early Christian martyriums, like Santa Constanza, also in Rome. A single, circular building with a hemispherical dome and circled by a perfectly-spaced ring of columns forming a portico, it is a very aesthetically pleasing sight to behold.
Considered to be one of the most perfect buildings of all time and the prototype of the basilica of San Pietro in the Vatican, it is a small but exceptionally influential building and was designed by one of the most visionary architects of the Renaissance. It mixes elements from ancient Roman and Greek architecture and utilises theories and ideas from architectural theorists of the time, such as Giorgio Vasari. In fact, if you want to understand Renaissance architecture and architects, this is a key building. Its classically inspired design and ideal proportions truly epitomise the Renaissance zeitgeist and constant journey towards perfect harmony and ideals on paper, transformed into something of brick and stone in real life.
The temple can be visited daily and is built atop a hill that also affords some rather great views over Rome. As such, it makes for quite the rewarding excursion, indeed.
Considered to be one of the most perfect buildings of all time and the prototype of the basilica of San Pietro in the Vatican, it is a small but exceptionally influential building and was designed by one of the most visionary architects of the Renaissance. It mixes elements from ancient Roman and Greek architecture and utilises theories and ideas from architectural theorists of the time, such as Giorgio Vasari. In fact, if you want to understand Renaissance architecture and architects, this is a key building. Its classically inspired design and ideal proportions truly epitomise the Renaissance zeitgeist and constant journey towards perfect harmony and ideals on paper, transformed into something of brick and stone in real life.
The temple can be visited daily and is built atop a hill that also affords some rather great views over Rome. As such, it makes for quite the rewarding excursion, indeed.
Photo credit: Quinok / CC BY-SA 4.0