Belvedere

The Belvedere is a grand building complex in Vienna, Austria. It consists of two Baroque palaces (the Upper and Lower Belvedere) and several other structures.

[edit] Introduction

The word "belvedere" is derived from a combination of the Italian “bel” for beautiful, and “vedere”, which means to view, so generally, the term means beautiful view.

Belvederes are typically structures that are positioned in such a way to provide outstanding views. This can be a substantial building (similar to a country home, mansion or palace). It can also be an architectural structure on top of a building (similar to a cupola, turret or widow’s walk) or a separate, open viewing point located in a garden (similar to a gazebo, pavilion or folly).

[edit] History

The term belvedere was initially used to describe the elevated villa or pavilion, the Villa Belvedere, with excellent views and freely flowing air, designed by Antonio Pollaiuolo for Pope Innocent VIII in 1484.

It was then enhanced by Donato Bramante, who created the long Belvedere Courtyard (Cortile del Belvedere) for Pope Julius II in 1505. Designed in the style of the high renaissance, the courtyard connected the Villa Belvedere with the Vatican Palace. Its elegant plan included gardens, piazzas, terraces and staircases. It also served as the backdrop for the Apollo Belvedere, thought by some historians to be one of most beautiful examples of classical sculpture.

These associations with beauty - both natural and constructed - established the term belvedere from the 16th century onward. It has been used in English since the 1570s.

[edit] A vantage point belvedere

A more modest form of belvedere is structure that is situated in such a way that it offers views, lighting and ventilation. It is typically covered with a roof but open on at least one side.

Belvederes built on top of buildings are similar to cupolas. However, a cupola tends to be dome shaped while a belvedere is more like a raised turret.

Gazebos are a type of belvedere that has been set as a stand alone structure in the landscape. What defines a gazebo as a belvedere is its function as a viewing platform for taking in the surrounding scenic vista.

In its loosest interpretation, a belvedere may simply be used to describe a paved area that offers a fine viewing point. There is no structure involved.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• Baroque architecture.
• Cupola.
• Folly.
• Gazebo.
• Landscape design.
• Pavilion.
• St Peters Basilica.
• Types of dome.
• Widow's walk.