S. Maria at Vicoforte

This is one of the most magnificent domes in the world; it is rated fifth in the world due to its size. The other masterpieces rated before it are the St Petersburg which is number one, it is situated in Vatican, the second is Pantheon found in Rome, the third is the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore located in Florence, the fourth is the Indian Gol Gumbaz, and the fifth is our topic building.

Its historical background is dated 15th century, it stated as a violated shrine which stood in woods, but currently, it is lost at the foot of Viconforte hills. The first stone was laid in the year 1596. The original structural design was proposed by Ascanio Vitozzi. The architecture was from Orvieto which was active at the Court of Savoy. Moreover, the construction was started again and completed by Francesco Gallo who was from Mandovi. He ensured that the building stood as a landmark which was symbolized by an impressive elliptical dome which was finalized in the year 1733. It has a lantern above it which illuminates light into the spiritual house.  The house was primarily built for religious purposes and as a sanctuary for the main pilgrim destination. A good historical point according to Rivoira (1972) is where Charles Emmanuel of Sovery made a decision to have the building act as a tomb in the 16th century for the royal family i.e. the Dukes were allowed to be buried in the Sanctuary of Vicoforte. After Duke Charles had died in the year 1630, the building was faced with political and financial hardships which led to it being halted for over 100 years. Soon Mondovi restarted it and completed the structural flaws; build the drum and also the magnificent elliptical dome which stands at the top of the house. In the 19th century, the façade and bells were erected as such that the bells were in a bell-tower. The bells were later on demolished to due to safety precautions in the year 1906 (Rivoira, 1972). The same year also saw some changed in the cover of the dome which was replaced with the current copper cladding.  

The decoration is also brilliant and has a great historical background, which is the same as the architectural and structural designs. The sanctity is very spacious and has a surface area of 6,000 square meters; it has a single-theme fresco of decoration. Religious picture surrounds the sanctuary such that the life of Virgin Mary is depicted in it as well as her Glorious Assumptions. The interior of the doom is perfectly smooth and is continuous with decorations which are painted; hence creating a perception of an increased area and also an imagination of architectural decorations which is centered on the figurative portion of the Fresco.  

The path that currently allows visitors to access the building basement is very adventurous; there is a 75m climb which gives the viewer spectacular aerial ways, the chambers, the winding staircase which is restricted to the workforce and not the public. For the purpose of maintenance, a 250-meter fall restraint system, and support devices were erected in the sanctuary for the purpose of safety. The building has an estimate of 20000 tourists. It has employed 35 permanent employees. Besides being a religious building, it is a good tourism destination for many people around the world (Rivoira, 1972). 

Work cited

Rivoira, G T. Roman Architecture and Its Principles of Construction Under the Empire: With an Appendix on the Evolution of the Dome Up to the Xviith Century. New York: Hacker Arts Books, 1972. Print.