Revival of Ancient Greek and Roman architecture

Ancient Roman and Greek architecture made a revival during the Italian Renaissance. Buildings were given huge domes and rotundas, as well as arched entryways with large columns and pediments.^[1] Buildings were longer and sometimes given distinct shapes, like a cross, when seen from an aerial view. ^[2] Artists and architects designed their buildings from Ancient Greek and Roman models and used white limestone and marble in the construction to replicate the exterior of the classical buildings. ^[3] Much of the Renaissance buildings in Italy also had fountains or bodies of water included in the design. ^[4] Fountains were a sign of purity, wealth, and knowledge for ancient philosophers. Despite the secular inspiration, the majority of the buildings constructed with the classical design were cathedrals and churches. ^[5] Unlike in Northern Europe, the exterior of these buildings was fairly plain and the interiors were vast and open.