Interior San_Carlo_alle_Quattro_Fontane



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.








Comments