17th Century Architecture

17th-century architecture was marked by a transition from the Renaissance’s classical principles to the grandeur and dynamism of Baroque. Characterized by dramatic contrasts, rich ornamentation, and bold spatial compositions, this period saw the rise of monumental churches, palaces, and civic buildings across Europe. Architects like Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Francesco Borromini in Italy, Christopher Wren in England, and Louis Le Vau in France shaped the era with designs that emphasized movement, theatricality, and a heightened sense of grandeur.