What were some of the most important architectural features in Baroque public buildings?

1. Curved lines: Baroque architecture utilized curving lines and shapes, creating an organic flow that contrasted with the straight lines of earlier Renaissance architecture.

2. Ornaments: Baroque architecture featured a plethora of ornate details such as sculptured and painted decoration, intricate carvings, and stucco work.

3. Light and shadow: Baroque buildings made great use of light and shadow, often accentuating specific elements using play of light and shade.

4. Dramatic entrances: Baroque public buildings were designed to create a sense of awe and grandeur with dramatic entrances and elaborate facades.

5. Domes and towers: Baroque architecture frequently featured impressive domes and towers that punctuated the skyline, often decorated with intricate details.

6. Illusionistic frescoes: Baroque artists developed techniques to create detailed, three-dimensional illusions on flat surfaces, such as the creation of an illusion of a dome on a flat ceiling by a painted fresco.

7. Sculptures: Sculptures were an essential component of Baroque buildings, often displayed in niches and on other exterior surfaces.

8. Use of color: Baroque buildings were often brightly colored, using a rich palette of bright and contrasting colors to accentuate their grandeur and decorative details.

9. Symmetry: While Baroque design was characterized by its ornate and flowing lines, it also often contained a strong sense of symmetry, particularly in the layout of rooms and the positioning of elements.

10. Great halls: Baroque buildings frequently included large, impressive halls, often with grand staircases, ideal for ceremonial occasions and royal courts.

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