Famous Ceilings In Europe

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Europe is home to some of the most extraordinary architectural designs in the world. Each country has their own style, but many of them share their influences with one another. The Dutch for instance transitioned from a traditionally gothic style of architecture to a neo-gothic one (influenced by the French), to art nouveau and finally a modern art deco. The 17th century baroque style that dominated Dutch architecture at that time was named its Golden Age of architecture. Leading architects of the time included Jacob van Campen, Philip Vingboons and Daniel Stalpaert.

Another feature of many classic European buildings was their ceilings. Tourists, historians, culturalists, and locals spent time touring around the region visiting the inside of churches, opera houses and parliament buildings with their necks craned the entire time. Some of history's most famous painters have left their mark on these ceilings including Michelangelo and Leonardo DaVinci. Here are a few worth of a visit.

1. San Luigi dei Francesi (Rome)

Classic Renaissance style painting of gods, angels, battle, and discovery lies at the centre of this magnificent ceiling framed in gold detailing. The windows situated just beneath it allow natural daylight to pour in, illuminating the artwork.

2. Santa Maria in Araceoli (Rome)

The most remarkable part of this ceiling is its texture. The intricate carving and symmetry make you feel like you're looking up at a grand door or an embroidered tapestry. The clear glass chandeliers that hang beneath it counter balance its deep royal colours perfectly.

3. Hall of Mirrors (Versailles)

The Hall of Mirrors is the central gallery of the Palace of Versailles and is considered one of the most famous rooms in the world. The main feature of this room is the seventeen mirror-clad arches that reflect the seventeen windows overlooking the garden opposite them.

4. Church in Veulen

The ceiling in the Church of Veulen is a terracotta orange colour and is made up of equal sized frames. The two central rows have scenes of people, while each frame of the outside row has an crest or emblem in its centre.

5. San Agustin Church, Manila

San Agustin is the oldest standing church in the Philippines. The enchanting arched ceiling of this Roman Catholic Church is made up of carvings. They have no colour, but their detailing is quite extraordinary. They say that the design of this church was modelled after those built by the Augustinians in Mexico, perhaps that's why it was able to survive the many earthquakes that have hit Manila, unlike most churches of the region.

For those of you who would love to stare up at a gold ceiling everyday but simply cannot afford it, or simply don't think it would suit your three-bedroom suburban home, there are other creative options. For instance, suspended fabric ceilings can give a room a very enchanted feeling.


About the Author:
Fabric Architecture Ltd has been specialising in the design, engineering, manufacture and installation of tensile fabric structures since 1984. Learn more about Fabric Ceilings at http://www.fabricarchitecture.com/archiclad



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