The Renaissance

Spanish renaissance is the expression of the artistic and scientist movement originated in Italy in the 14th century, and later extended to the rest of Occidental Europe. The Renaissance in Spain takes time to penetrate from Italy, especially by force to the Gothic Elizabethan plays in our land. Throughout the century of Renaissance architecture in Spain, there are several stylistic trends, especially Plateresque and, above all, in the final stretch of the Renaissance: the serious and austere Herreriano style.

First period: Plateresque
On this period of the renaissance architecture in Spain, an architecture with very marked characteristics was forged. This architecture had influences of the local Spanish Muslim living under the Christian rule, of the flamboyant Gothic of the north and of the Italian architecture also. This eclectic Spanish style has received the name of "plateresco" for of the extremely decorated fronts of its buildings, which were compared to the dense and retailer work of the silversmiths. 

One example of this period is the Hospital of Santa Cruz which is located in the city of Toledo. It is a beautiful plateresque bulding built by Enrique Egas, between 1504 and 1514. From its architecture, highlight its cover, the noble courtyard, the staircase and the Mudejar and Renaissance coffered cielings.



Second period: Classic or Purist style
This style appears during the second third of the sixteenth century. This style introduces the classical structures of the Italian Renaissance in roofs, floors, etc. Purism is characterized by greater decorative austerity, which is limited to specific elements, usually classically inspired. There are many buildings which look more serene, harmonious and balanced. Some of the examples of this period are the fllowing:

-The Alcazar of Toledo: it is a fortification on rocks, located in the highest part of the city of Toledo. This building dominates the city. Its author is Alonso de Covarrubias. It is a strong geometric building, with a square around a central courtyard also square with corner towers.

-Puerta nueva de la bisagra de Toledo: It is also a Covarrubias’s piece. It is the gateway to the city of Toledo in the wall. The entrance is flanked by two buckets. The decor is based shields, gables, etc..

-University of Alcalá de Henares Facade: Its author was Rodrigo Gil de Hontañón. The facade has three bodies. There are large number of decorative elements, especially in the center where they set shields, crest pediment and balustrade. The facade has arches and Corinthian columns attached. There are also semi-circular pediments in vain.

-Tavera's hospital: (also known as Hospital of San Juan Bautista or Hospital of outskirts) It's an important building of Renaissance style located in Toledo. The hospital was built between 1541 and 1603 on order of the cardinal Taver. The distance with the old hull of th ecity gave him the name of ''the hospital of the outskirts'', since, inside the walls, the hospital of Santa Cruz already  existed.

Third period: Herreriano style

Herreriano style is a mannerist style developed in the last third of the sixteenth century. This style was named as 'herreriano style' in Juan Herrera's honor, and it dominated the Spanish architecture for almost one century. It is characterized by the predominance of the constructive elements, the decorative absence, the straight lines and the cubic volumes. It means in addition the introduction of the postulates manieristas from Italy. 

The Herreriano style masterpiece is the Monastery of El Escorial. It was commissioned by Philip II to commemorate the victory of St. Quentin against the French troops. El Escorial was built with different functions: monastery, palace, mausoleum of the royal family and a cultural and artistic center (for example, due to its great library). In the exterior, the most prominent thing is the auction of the towers in a pyramid form, with garrets and balls. The windows are rectangular without decoration and the cover has a two waters style and was built on slate.