S0503 The Churches of Venice

\"And I marvelled greatly to see the placement of this city and to see so many church towers and monasteries ... It is the most sumptuous city which I have ever seen ... and the one in which the service of God is celebrated most solemnly. ... I do believe that God helps them for the reverence which they bring to the service of the church\" (Philippe de Commynes, French ambassador, 1494).\r\n

\"Temple fronts shall be constructed overlooking most of the city, so that it seems that religion has been placed there like a guard and protector of the citizens\" (Andrea Palladio, The Four Books on Architecture, 1570).

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This course investigates the churches of Venice, from San Marco (9th century on) to Santa Maria della Salute (17th century), to study Venetian ecclesiastical architecture in its historical context and manifold aspects. Among the course topics are: Venetian society and Venetian church, the function of churches in the construction of the city and of its image, San Marco and the Cathedral, the architecture of parish churches, the churches of monasteries and convents, the churches of the mendicant orders, the role of confraternities, votive churches, the impact of Counter Reformation on Venetian churches. Attention will be paid to functions, rituals, uses and perceptions of churches. We will consider painting, sculpture and furnishings in relation to architecture as well as the works of architects, such as Codussi, Sansovino, Palladio and Longhena.

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Teaching method
Interactive lectures; seminars and on-site seminars lead by small groups of students.

\r\nCourse requirements
There are no prerequisites but the knowledge of one recommended preliminary reading.
All students are required to accomplish the assigned readings (course pack) in order to participate actively to lectures and seminars. Students shall also lead at least one seminar according to a seminar schedule that will be defined at the beginning of the course.