PALLADIO, Andrea
(b. 1508, Padova, d. 1580, Maser)

Il Redentore: Interior

begun 1577
Photo
Canale della Giudecca, Venice

When designing the ground plan, Palladio had to take into account the triple function of the church: (i) it is a votive church, built to express gratitude for the mercy shown by the Redeemer; (ii) it is a processional church, as the Senate vowed to hold an annual procession (on 21 July) to the church; (iii) it has to fulfil the requirements of a monastery church, because it was under the control of Capuchin monks.

Palladio's solution was to create three separate and structurally different spaces, placed one behind the other, which open out in turn as one walks through the church. The barrel-vaulted nave, flanked by evenly spaced columns, marks the last part of the processional path and the destination of those taking part. Connected to it is the centrally planned presbytery, covered by a tambour and dome, and closed off at either side by almost semi-circular tribunes. Finally, the monks' choir is placed behind the presbytery and is optically separated from the first two sections by means of an exedra. All elements fit in with the longitudinal scheme without losing their independent characters. Palladio used sketches of the ancient Diocletian and Titus baths as authorities for his structuring of the nave.

View the section of Il Redentore, Venice.




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