Calabrian architecture of the Renaissance. A telescope towards Naples and Rome.

Abstract

In the last decade, many investigations and studies have appeared on Renaissance style architectural episodes in Calabria and yet, nevertheless, something always appears to be missing. It might be identified, however, if we look beyond the borders of Calabria, towards the predominant cities towards which the long toe of Italy was drawn for both political and commercial reasons. As the title suggests, and without taking anything from the contribution of the local 15th-16th cent. schools and the original work of architects and stonemasons, it is necessary to look at the principal sources of Calabrian Renaissance architecture (Neapolitan and Roman sources). These sources were reviewed and ‘naturalized’ through the filters of building tradition, materials, style and time-honoured local habits. Above all, it is fundamental to look ‘nearby’, towards closer sources, even if identification is paradoxically difficult due to the poor knowledge of Neapolitan Renaissance architecture, especially if we think about the great quantity of research which has always focused on Florence, Rome and Venice.