1 design
1.1 exterior
1.2 interior
1.3 crypt
1.4 cloister
design
exterior
section of san carlo alle quattro fontane, ca. 1730
the concave-convex facade of san carlo undulates in non-classic way. tall corinthian columns stand on plinths , bear main entablatures; these define main framework of 2 storeys , tripartite bay division. between columns, smaller columns entablatures weave behind main columns , in turn frame niches, windows, variety of sculptures main door, central oval aedicule of upper order , oval framed medallion borne aloft angels. medallion once contained 1677 fresco pietro giarguzzi of holy trinity. above main entrance, cherubim herms frame central figure of saint charles borromeo antonio raggi , either side statues of st. john of matha , st. felix of valois, founders of trinitarian order.
the plan , section show layout of cramped , difficult site; church on corner cloister next , both face onto via pia. monastic buildings straddle site, beyond borromini intended design garden.
interior
floor plan of church of san carlo alle quattro fontane.
the church interior both extraordinary , complex. 3 principal parts can identified vertically lower order @ ground level, transition zone of pendentives , oval coffered dome oval lantern.
in lower part of church, main altar on same longitudinal axis door , there 2 altars on cross axis. 1 altar dedicated saint michael de sanctis, other dedicated saint john baptist of conception. between these, , arranged in groups of four, sixteen columns carry broad , continuous entablature. arrangement seems refer cross plan altars visible 2 central columns in each arrangement of 4 placed on oblique respect axial ordering of space. creates undulating movement effect enhanced variation in treatment of bays between columns niches, mouldings, , doors. architectural historians have described how bay structure of lower order can have different rhythmic readings , underlying geometric rationale complex ground plan, discussing symbolism of church , distinctive architectural drawings of borromini.
the dome intricate geometrical pattern
the pendentives part of transition area undulating cross-like form of lower order reconciled oval opening dome. arches spring diagonally placed columns of lower wall order frame altars , entrance, rise meet oval entablature , define space of pendentives in roundels set.
the oval entablature dome has crown of foliage , frames view of deep set interlocking coffering of octagons, crosses , hexagons diminish in size higher rise. light floods in windows in lower dome hidden oval opening , windows in side of lantern. in hierarchical structuring of light, illuminated lantern symbol of holy trinity brightly lit, coffering of dome thrown sharp , deep relief , light gradually filters downwards darker lower body of church.
flanking apse of main altar pair of identical doorways. right door leads convent through crypts below may accessed. door on left leads external chapel known capella barberini contains shrine blessed elisabeth canori mora.
crypt
the crypt below follows size , form of church , has low pierced vault. chapels open off space, including octagonal chapel on south-east side borromini intended buried. has major , minor niche arrangement , undulating cornice.
cloister
next church cloister, two-story arrangement. space longer along entrance axis wide, rectangular ordering interrupted cutting corners understood elongated octagon. further complexity introduced variation in spacing of twelve columns carrying alternating round , flat headed openings, curvature of corners, , inventive balustrade. geometrical themes reinforced central octagonal wellhead on oval base , octagonal capitals of upper columns.
behind church, refectory, sacristy, has rounded corners, pierced vault, windows in garden façade , later alterations.
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