Outside the Western Tradition Again...

Buildings can relate to their sites in different ways. Choose two buildings, discuss one building in terms of its physical relationship to its site and the other in terms of its symbolic or historical relationship to the site. Identify each building by name and period.

St. Peter’s Basilica was built in 17^th century Rome during the Counter-Reformation. The domed church was erected atop the tomb of Saint Peter and surrounded by a large piazza and colonnade to welcome the members of the Roman Catholic Church. A heavily decorated baldacchino, built by Bernini, acts as the marker to St. Peter’s tomb and also plays the part of the altar inside the church. The church is physically placed on a saint and is considered to be a holy place for those belonging to the Roman Catholic Church. While the Roman basilica was placed atop a tomb to commemorate the saint, Dome of the Rock was built in Jerusalem to celebrate Islam. Built in the 7^th century, the shrine was placed in what the Muslims believed was the holiest land and was topped with a golden dome to announce its presence. The interior consists of bright mosaics and exquisite ornamentation that is similar to the Byzantine style and that give the effect that the ceiling continues upward. Dome of the Rock is said to have been placed on a historically important spot where Muhammad rose to Heaven and returned in the same day.