Architecture. Accademia Galleries
Part 1 of the photo tour through the Gallerie dell'Accademia in Venice: the architecture of the building complex.
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When Andrea Palladio created the cantilevered oval spiral staircase as part of his grand project for the monastery of the Canonici Lateranensi (commissioned in 1560), it was a novelty and caused quite a stir. The trapezoidal steps and landings, made from Istrian marble, are inserted into the outer wall of the stair tower. Statues were to be placed in the niches in the wall. The staircase led from the sacristy, designed as a "tablinum," to the two upper floors.
Palladio's project of the monastery of the Canonici Lateranensi came to a halt in 1569 after the completion of the cloister and atrium. After a fire destroyed much of the Palladio building in 1630, its remains were incorporated into later alterations and additions.
In 1786, the famous German poet, writer, scientist and statesman Johann Wolfgang von Goethe described the scala ovata as "the most beautiful spiral staircase in the world."
© Photos, summary: Haupt & Binder, Universes in Universe
Part 1 of the photo tour through the Gallerie dell'Accademia in Venice: the architecture of the building complex.
From Latin tabula, "board." In the ancient Roman house, a room adjoining the atrium, usually on the side opposite the entrance. The entire front opens to the atrium and could be screened with curtains or wooden doors. Often the back wall was also open or had large windows. Originally it was the master bedroom, but later became the main office and reception room of the master of the house.