peristyle
Quick Summary
A peristyle is an architectural feature that can refer to two related concepts: a colonnade surrounding a building or court, or an open space enclosed by such a colonnade. This architectural element was notably used in ancient Greek temples, where an outer colonnade, or peristyle, embellished the exterior, providing a covered walkway. In some instances, a building itself could be described as a peristyle if it featured such a colonnade. The use of peristyles contributed to distinguishing sacred buildings from secular architecture and offered aesthetic and functional benefits.1234
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
Western architectureThe early periods…to be embellished by a peristyle, an outer colonnade of posts supporting extended eaves. This colonnade provided a covered ambulatory (roofed walkway), and it was also a device to distinguish the building from purely secular architecture. This plan can be seen in buildings on Samos and at Thermum in central…
Read More…to be embellished by a peristyle, an outer colonnade of posts supporting extended eaves. This colonnade provided a covered ambulatory (roofed walkway), and it was also a device to distinguish the building from purely secular architecture. This plan can be seen in buildings on Samos and at Thermum in central…
Read More- Western architectureResidential architecture
…around a colonnaded court, or peristyle. The atrium, a rectangular room with an opening in the roof to the sky, and its adjoining rooms were peculiarly Roman elements; the peristyle was Greek or Middle Eastern. There were few windows on the street, light being obtained from the atrium or peristyle.…
Read More…around a colonnaded court, or peristyle. The atrium, a rectangular room with an opening in the roof to the sky, and its adjoining rooms were peculiarly Roman elements; the peristyle was Greek or Middle Eastern. There were few windows on the street, light being obtained from the atrium or peristyle.…
Read More