The Development of Cities in Northern and Central Italy: During the Renaissance

This book explores how Renaissance architecture reflected political and economic changes in Northern and Central Italy, illustrating how architectural style and design were linked to conflicts, government evolution, and economic growth.

Format: Hardback
Length: 454 pages
Publication date: 20 February 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Originally published in 2019, this comprehensive book delves into a pivotal historical era, offering a unique perspective on Renaissance architecture as the tangible embodiment of political and economic transformation. Through vivid illustrations, it elucidates how shifts in architectural style and design mirrored the complex interplay of Northern and Central Italy's external and internal conflicts, the evolution of urban and regional governance, and the surge of economic and demographic growth. Spanning the entirety of the Renaissance period, Balchin traces the roots of this era in medieval times and its gradual metamorphosis into Mannerist and Baroque tendencies. He compellingly demonstrates how architectural and planning developments were intricately intertwined with political and economic power, and how these dynamics evolved across different cities throughout history.

This book serves as a valuable resource for scholars, historians, and architecture enthusiasts alike, shedding light on the intricate connections between architecture, politics, and society during the Renaissance. By exploring the architectural styles, planning strategies, and societal implications of this transformative period, it provides a deeper understanding of the complex web of factors that shaped the architectural landscape of Europe.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032222172