ALEANDRI, Ireneo
(b. 1795, San Severino Marche, d. 1885, Macerata)

Exterior view

1820-29
Photo
Sferisterio, Macerata

The Sferisterio is an open-air stadium or sphaeristerium in Macerata, constructed by Ireneo Aleandri. It is a sport arena big enough for 10.000 spectators. The architect opted for inspiration from the theatres and arenas of antiquity. His design is an arch-shaped enclosure terminating in rectangular structures. The rows of arches on the exterior with niches and oculi in between draw on cinquecento motifs, while the interior, with its tall Doric colonnade over three stories, is indebted to classical models as interpreted by Palladio.