Let’s Talk Palladian Windows

Palladian windows are a beloved architectural element on both residential and public buildings, and have been used by architects for centuries. The practical purpose is, of course, to let loads of natural light into a space, but Palladian windows are also very pretty. A Palladian window has 3 sections, usually divided by engaged columns or pilasters. The center section is the largest, has an arched section at the top, and is flanked by two smaller, rectangular windows with flat tops. (A large, arched window by itself is not really a Palladian window)

The name comes from Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio (1508-1580), who is considered by historians as one of the most influential architects of western architecture. Palladio wrote a treatise on his influences and design ethos in ‘The Four Books of Architecture’, and is most known for his designs of Italian villas, or country houses which were built for the wealthy and important Italians of his time.  Palladio’s primary influences came from ancient Greek and Roman builders, particularly Vitruvius, who we all know from the famous Leonardo da Vinci drawing Vitruvian Man (circa 1487) based on design proportions set forth by Vitruvius. The Palladian window is sometimes called a Venetian Window or a Serlian Window. Andrea Palladio employed this window design in numerous buildings both residential and public.

This is a fantastic, shingled house in Ginter Park with a Palladian window in what might be a stairwell or attic space

Having spent a semester studying Palladian architecture, I happen to notice Palladian windows everywhere, sometimes in strange places (like a mall!) and in all variations.  So, now that you know where the idea came from…have fun spotting Palladian windows everywhere!   

Brick, Victorian on Franklin Street near VCU

An attic space on Hanover Avenue with a tiny, multi-paned version of a Palladian Window

This is a wow! factor Palladian window in an upstairs hallway of the Ambassador apartment building in the Fan. Check out those adorable oriole windows on either side of the arched window. Very elegant!

I love this…the double-mint twins of Palladian windows show up on the top floor apartments on this Monument Avenue building.

And, here we have a modified Palladian window on a contemporary building. (And, here’s my trying to keep an open mind)

This Italian Renaissance Revival on Monument Avenue is the PERFECT place to find a Palladian window!

Thanks for coming along on our mini Palladian window tour. There are loads of them out there in the world so enjoy!