E-Portfolio

 

4. i. What is the function or purpose of the building?

    ii. How the function or the purpose of the building makes the building historically significant and meaningful?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure1. View of San Giorgio Maggiore

 

  San Giorgio Maggiore is a church for religious purpose. Fruit gardens and vineyard were located there previously, as well as a mill, a salt reclaiming plant and a small church. In 982, a Benedictine monastery was established and over the centuries, the monastery become one of the most important monasteries in Italy.

  In 1109, the relics of St. Stephen came to the island from Constantinopole. The church after that played an important part in Venetian Christmas Celebrations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure2. Floor plan of San Giorgio Maggiore

 

  Crossing, sanctuary and choir are designed and important for ceremonial activity.

   The doge, the Papal Nuncio, orators and the other members of the Signoria sat in front of the high altar (a table like structure for the celebration of the Sacraments in a Christian building) on temporary seating prepared there. Being seated close to the altar enable the doge rises to give his offering and the Papal Nuncio his benediction.

   A tripartite arrangement would have worked well, with a neat division of the church into the choir for the monks, the space in front of the high altar for the government, and the nave for the people.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure3. The interior of San Giorgio Maggiore

 

  Two enormous stands of seating were erected between the main pillars supporting the dome to the north and to the south of the crossing where it adjoined the transepts. This was done to prepare the church for its visitors and for the disposition of the musicians.

 

  After an earthquake in 13th century, the monastery was rebuilt. In 16th century, Palladian church of San Giorgio Maggiore was acquired. It later became a learning center, hosting visiting scholars and other eminent visitors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure4. The cloister of San Giorgio Maggiore

 

  The island became a free port in 1829 and the headquarters of the artillery in 1851. The complex once again became a cultural center hosting international scholars, occasional events and exhibits and performances when the monastery, embracing Palladio's cloisters, refectory and library, was purchased in 1951 by Count Vittorio Cini.

 

References:

http://venicexplorer.com/explore-venice/churches/san-giorgio-maggiore.html

http://www.churchesofvenice.co.uk/guidecca.htm

http://www.academia.edu/3835973/2006_Ceremony_Singing_and_Seating_in_San_Giorgio_Maggiore_

http://img.uoregon.edu/arh314/terminology/Terminology_all.html