1. Ornate decoration: Baroque architecture is characterized by highly decorative and ornate detailing. Elaborate and intricate patterns, curvaceous forms, and dramatic forms of decoration add to the grandeur and magnificence of the structure.
2. Theatricality and drama: Baroque buildings are designed to create a sense of theatre and drama. The architecture makes use of dramatic lighting, contrasting light and shadow, and the play of light on surfaces to create a dynamic sense of motion and energy.
3. Symmetry and balance: Baroque architecture places a strong emphasis on symmetry and balance. Buildings are often designed to be perfectly symmetrical, with identical or nearly identical facades on either side of a central axis.
4. Monumentality: Baroque architecture is grand in scale and scope. It was used to celebrate the power and prestige of the church and the state, and often features massive domes, towering columns, and grand entrances.
5. Dynamic movement: Baroque architecture is characterized by a sense of movement and dynamism. The sculptural elements are often highly animated, with figures leaping, swirling, or twisting to create a sense of motion.
6. Light and shadow: Baroque architecture makes use of strong contrasts between light and shadow to create a dramatic interplay of light and darkness. The use of light creates a sense of depth and dimensionality that emphasizes the grandeur and monumentality of the building.
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