BERNINI, Gian Lorenzo
(b. 1598, Napoli, d. 1680, Roma)

Exterior view

1658-61
Photo
Sant'Andrea al Quirinale, Rome

Cardinal Camillo Pamphili (1622-1666) commissioned Bernini to plan the Jesuit novitiate church of Sant'Andrea on the Via Pia, opposite Palazzo Quirinale. Bernini selected the oval shape that he had already used in the plan for St. Peter's Square. However, he was to develop the motif further in a most innovative manner. He created a square within the street itself, the oval form was designed to lie lengthwise along the Via Pia. In front of the oval, projecting walls embrace the perimeter of the square. Bernini differentiated the church from neighbouring villas and gardens by expanding it to monumental proportions. Each element was both simplified and exaggerated, starting with the monumental orders and the tympanum over them, which dominate the façade.

The picture shows the façade of the church.

View the ground plan of Sant'Andrea al Quirinale, Rome.