What are the basic elements of Renaissance architecture?

The key features of Renaissance architecture are the use of the classical orders, mathematically precise ratios of height and width, symmetry, proportion, and harmony. Columns, pediments, arches, and domes are imaginatively used in buildings of all types.

What are the three stages of Renaissance architecture?

The three stages of Renaissance architecture are: Early (c. 1400), High (c. 1500), and Late Renaissance (c. 1520).

Who created the Renaissance style of architecture?

The Italian architect Filippo Brunelleschi (1377-1446) is considered the father of Renaissance architecture.

Renaissance Architecture Timeline

Definition

Renaissance architecture originated in Italy and superseded the Gothic style over a period generally defined as 1400 to 1600. Features of Renaissance buildings include the use of the classical orders and mathematically precise ratios of height and width combined with a desire for symmetry, proportion, and harmony. Columns, pediments, arches and domes are imaginatively used in buildings of all types.

More about: Renaissance Architecture

Timeline

1377 - 1446
Life of the Italian Renaissance architect and sculptor Filippo Brunelleschi.
1404 - 1472
Life of the Italian Renaissance architect Leon Battista Alberti.
1418 - 1428
The Old Sacristy of San Lorenzo, Florence is built according to the design by Filippo Brunelleschi.
c. 1419
The Italian Renaissance architect Filippo Brunelleschi designs the influential Ospedale degli Innocenti in Florence.
1436
The Italian Renaissance architect Filippo Brunelleschi completes the dome of the cathedral of Florence.
c. 1444 - 1514
Life of the Italian Renaissance architect Donato Bramante.
c. 1450
The Italian Renaissance architect Leon Battista Alberti designs the facade for the Tempio Malatestiano in Rimini.
c. 1450
The Italian Renaissance architect Leon Battista Alberti designs the Palazzo Rucellai in Florence.
1456
The Italian Renaissance architect Leon Battista Alberti translates his treatise on architecture, On Building (De Re Aedificatoria) into the Tuscan vernacular.
c. 1458
The Italian Renaissance architect Leon Battista Alberti designs the new facade for the Santa Maria Novella church in Florence.
1460
The Italian Renaissance architect Leon Battista Alberti designs the San Sebastiano church in Mantua.
c. 1470
The Italian Renaissance architect Leon Battista Alberti designs the Basilica San Andrea in Mantua.
1475 - 1554
Life of the Italian Renaissance architect Sebastiano Serlio.
1492 - 1494
The Italian Renaissance architect Donato Bramante likely works on the rectangular piazza in Vigevano.
1499
The Italian Renaissance architect Donato Bramante moves to Rome.
1500
The Italian Renaissance architect Bramante designs the cloister for the Santa Maria della Pace church in Rome.
1501
The Italian Renaissance architect Donato Bramante designs the Palazzo Caprini in Rome, aka 'Raphael's House'.
1502
Leonardo da Vinci moves to Rome where he works for Cesare Borgia to sort out the city’s canals.
1502
Leonardo da Vinci produces his precise overhead view map of Imola, the first map of its kind.
c. 1502
The Italian Renaissance architect Donato Bramante designs the Tempietto of San Pietro in Montorio, Rome.
1504
The Italian Renaissance architect Donato Bramante redesigns the space between the Vatican Palace and the Villa Belvedere in Rome.
c. 1506
The Italian Renaissance architect Donato Bramante creates his design for the new Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome.
1508 - 1580
Life of the Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio.
1512
The Laurentian Library, San Lorenzo in Florence, designed by Michelangelo, is completed.
c. 1517
Antonio da Sangallo the Younger designs the High Renaissance Palazzo Farnese in Rome.n
1517
Leonardo da Vinci moves to France to work for Francis I of France.
1519 - 1547
The Chateau de Chambord in the Loire Valley of France is built.
1537 - 1551
The Italian Renaissance architect Sebastiano Serlio writes what would become known as his Seven Books on Architecture.
1544 - 1546
The Italian Renaissance architect Sebastiano Serlio works on his design of the Château d’Ancy-le-Franc in France.
1544
The Italian Renaissance artist Michelangelo begins his redesign of the Capitoline Hill in Rome.
1546
The Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio designs the new facade for the town hall of Vicenza (the Basilica Palladiana).
1547
The Italian Renaissance artist Michelangelo begins working on the soaring dome of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome (completed in 1590 CE).
c. 1550
The Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio designs the Palazzo Chiericati in Vicenza.
c. 1551
The Villa Valmarana, aka ‘La Rotonda’, near Vicenza and designed by Andrea Palladio, is built.
1556
The Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio provides a series of illustrations for a new edition of Vitruvius’ 'On Architecture'.
1558
The Mannerist Palazzo Marino courtyard in Milan, designed by Galeazzo Alessi, is completed.
1565
The Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio designs the San Giorgio Maggiore church in Venice.
1570
The Four Books of Architecture by Andrea Palladio is published.
1576
The Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio designs the church now commonly known as Il Redentore in Venice.
c. 1580
The Teatro Olimpico, Vicenza, is completed according to a design by Andrea Palladio.
1626
St. Peter's Basilica in Rome is completed.