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What disagreement between Francesco Borromini and Gian Lorenzo Bernini involved the towers of St. Peter’s Basilica?

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Rome: Piazza Navona — Francesco Borromini Piazza Navona, Rome, with the church of Sant'Agnese in Agone, designed by Francesco Borromini, and (foreground) the Fountain of the Moor, originally designed by Giacomo della Porta and revised by Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

The disagreement between Francesco Borromini and Gian Lorenzo Bernini regarding the towers of St. Peter’s Basilica centered on the structural integrity and design of bell towers intended for the facade.12

Following the death of Carlo Maderno, who had originally designed the substructures for the towers, Bernini submitted a proposal in 1636 to complete them. Construction began in 1637, but the project faced severe technical difficulties; by 1641, construction was halted due to structural deficiencies.12

In 1645, a commission decided to remove the towers because their weight was causing the building to crack. Borromini emerged as a fierce and effective critic of Bernini during this period, publicly accusing him of incompetence regarding the project. While Bernini suffered temporary disgrace following the demolition of the towers in 1646, the conflict highlighted the deep professional rivalry and divergent architectural philosophies between the two men.12