How harmoniously do the arches embrace the sky above the Cloisters of Bramante? It’s like stepping into a living geometry lesson. The Cloisters of Bramante isn’t just another pretty courtyard. It’s considered a high point of Renaissance architecture in Rome. The cloister, commissioned around 1500, was designed by Donato Bramante for Cardinal Oliviero Carafa. You can see the Cardinal’s influence throughout the cloister. Look for the dedicatory inscription that wraps around the inner facade and his coat of arms on the columns and doors. Bramante, a rival of Michelangelo, was known for his innovative designs. One such innovation is visible right here. Notice how a column is placed above the center of each ground-floor arch? This unconventional approach broke the architectural norms of the time, showcasing Bramante’s genius. Today, these serene cloisters hum with a different kind of energy. They host art exhibitions, concerts, and meetings, seamlessly blending the old with the new. Before you wander further, take a moment to appreciate the interplay of light and shadow. Feel the presence of history in these elegant geometric lines, a testament to the enduring spirit of the Renaissance.
Chiesa di Santa Maria in Monticelli
Is this heaven? Because standing before the Chiesa di Santa Maria in Monticelli, one might feel a touch of the