Introduction
The golden age of Italian culture, art and architecture is considered to be the Renaissance. Unlike many European countries, the Italians did not perceive Gothic, as a cultural and architectural style. Renaissance began from the classical Italian style. Renaissance is the era of great achievements and discoveries - in this era, many artists, writers and architects hoped to get public recognition and believed in the beauty of art. Artists began to write portraits of famous people, sculptors began to create sculptures of gods, in many ways the basic idea of the Renaissance turned restore antique style.
Body
In this era, the cultural revival began in Florence. Florentine architects revived in their works of antiquity. To do this, it was important to understand the meaning and the essence of the design of Roman architecture. The initiator of the movement of the Renaissance, Florence was Filippo Brunelleschi (“Duomo di Firenze”). The architect created the famous dome of Florence Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. This dome has a faceted shape, the outside is made of red-brown tiles, interior decoration is made of brick, which is also the framework for a working structure. The basis of the architectural style of the Dome is drawn from the Roman basilicas of early Christianity.
Two centuries after the beginning of the Renaissance in Florence, a center of art and architecture moved from Florence to Rome. At that time, many architects have been experienced in recreating ancient forms. For example, the architecture of Kanchelleria palazzo in Rome is one step ahead of the Florentine palazzo Rucellai.
It should be noted that there were enough prototypes of antiquity on the territory of Rome. The most famous example is the symbol of the Italian capital, which can be found on all kinds of calendars, cards and figurines - the Coliseum. The history of the Coliseum goes deep into antiquity, at that time the Coliseum was the scene for spectacular fights of gladiators and wild beasts. According to experts, stands the Coliseum can accommodate about 50,000 spectators. A distinctive feature of this facility is a large number of tiers. The lower tier was located to know the rich merchants and nobles. The second tier was intended to free the citizens of the capital (the middle class). The last stage took commoners. In addition, at the top were slaves and control systems of lifts. The Coliseum had about 36 elevators, controlled slaves. The system had an extremely complex stair passages leading to the arena through four main entrances. The passage to the seats carried by 80 arches. All of the above shows splendor and a high level of architectural and engineering design (“Italian Architecture – Rome - Roman Colosseum”).
Another important attraction is the Pantheon in Rome. This is one of the most ancient domed buildings that have survived to the present day. The name of the temple literally translated as "Temple of all the gods." The building was built by Marcus Agrippa. Pantheon is an example of classical clarity, majestic image and integrity of the internal space. The reason Pantheon preserved to this day, probably that it was later converted into a Christian church (Moore, “The Pantheon”). It is noteworthy that in the Pantheon are buried some famous people in Italy - such as Raphael, King Victor Emmanuel II and King Umberto I.
Speaking about the examples of ancient architecture of Rome, it must be said of the Roman Forum. In ancient times, it was the central market, and now is the area in the center of the ancient part of Rome. The Roman Forum was the center of political and social life of Roman citizens. That the Roman Forum gave his definition of the word "forum" that we know in its current meaning. Initially, around the Roman forum is the sanctuary of the pagan gods. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the value of the forum was sharply reduced. The revival of the importance of the Roman Forum began, when Christians began to build Christian churches on the territory of the forum. Among the buildings located in the Roman Forum can be identified Capitol, Sacred Road, Temple of Saturn, and others (“Forum Romanum (The Roman Forum)”).
Equally important cultural and architectural center of Italy is Venice. Venice is unique because built on the island, four kilometers from the mainland. The city was virtually no embankments, people moved through the streets in boats (gondolas). Until the ninth century Venice was a part of the Byzantine Empire. It influenced the formation of the Venetian architectural tradition. Then, Venice felt the influence of the Renaissance, becoming one of the centers of the cultural movement.
On Torcello Island there are the most ancient buildings of Venice: the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the church of Santa Fosca and others. Murano Island there are numerous glassworks, of transported to the island specifically to avoid fires. These workshops are known throughout the world as producers of the famous Venetian glass.
The coat of arms of Venice is a winged lion - the symbol of the evangelist Mark, in honor of whose was named Brand of St. Mark, located on the main square of the city. Basilica executed in Byzantine style with elements of the architecture of the East and Arab art. Such borrowing of different types of architecture was possible because the Venetian navigators and traders were familiar traditions and art forms far beyond Italy. Next to the cathedral of St. Mark is the famous monument of architecture - the Doge's Palace. Currently, there is a museum.
A distinctive feature of the cultural life of Venice is the Venice Carnival. This is one of the most important events in Italy and the most famous carnival in the world. It is the oldest carnival, which is a masquerade ball. It takes place in Venice every year. The duration of the carnival is more than two weeks. It starts with the carnival before the Catholic Lent and ends on Wednesday of the first week of Lent. Venice Carnival began as a celebration in honor of the god Saturn. These days, people celebrate the harvest, arranging mass celebrations in the city center. During the celebration at the table with the noble lords were allowed to sit even slaves. However, that did not prevent prejudices fun, all hidden faces behind masks. Later, in the days of Christianity, the Venetian Carnival was preparing Christians for Lent, so that people can have some fun before Lent. The greatest flowering of the carnival came in the 18th century. In this era costumes for carnivals become models of high fashion. At the same time there will be the fashion for half masks that covered only the upper part of the face. The protagonists of the carnival have always been comedians. Venice Carnival gave us Pierrot Harlequin, Pantalone and lovely Colombina. Today, the Venetian Carnival is celebrated every year and attracts many tourists from around the world (Tieuli,” A Short History of Venetian Carnival Masks”).
Conclusion
In conclusion we can say that Italy is one of the few countries that have such a huge cultural heritage. Art and architecture in Italy is known all over the world. Originating more than two millennia ago, Italian art underwent many changes and has left many monuments of architecture, sculpture and painting. Because of this Italy remains one of the most popular countries in the field of tourism.
Works Cited
"Duomo Di Firenze." , Florence. Web. 13 July 2015. <http://www.aviewoncities.com/florence/duomo.htm>.
"Forum Romanum (The Roman Forum)." Khan Academy. Web. 13 July 2015. <https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ancient-art-civilizations/roman/beginners-guide-rome/a/forum-romanum-the-roman-forum>.
"Italian Architecture- ROME- Roman Colosseum." Italian Architecture- ROME- Roman Colosseum. Web. 13 July 2015. <http://www.italian-architecture.info/ROME/RO-017.htm>.
Moore, David. "The Pantheon." Roman Concrete. 1995. Web. 13 July 2015.
Tieuli, Michel J. "A Short History of Venetian Carnival Masks." Venetian Masks Shop. Web. 13 July 2015. <http://www.venetianmasksshop.com/history.htm>.
