The Doorways in Turin, Italy

On our first day in Turin I was quite struck of two things. The massively tall doorways were so impressive, and then the interior behind the door often sported beautiful marble as well as the occasional painted detailing. It felt quite elegant and designed to impress. Why so tall? Doorways in historic Italian buildings, including those in Turin, are often tall due to Renaissance architectural principles that emphasized proportion and balance, pre-automotive needs for horse-drawn carriages, and a desire for greater internal airflow before modern cooling systems were available. These grand entrances also served an aesthetic function, balancing the scale of the building and contributing to its overall elegance. So to recap, the doorways are massively tall because: Renaissance Proportions: The Renaissance heavily influenced architecture in Italy with a focus on geometry and proportion. Doorway heights were designed to be in harmony with the taller internal spaces, adhering to humanist ideals of perfect, proportional relationships like the golden rectangle. Accommodating Horse-Drawn Carriages: Before the widespread use of cars, horse-drawn carriages were the primary mode of transportation. Tall doors allowed for the easy passage of these carriages, as well as goods and large groups of people, into and out of buildings. Aesthetic and Symbolic Value: Large doors were not just practical but also a symbol of wealth and grandeur. The impressive height created a sense of awe and contributed to the building's overall visual balance and elegance. Ventilation: Taller doorways, often with arched tops, could improve the flow of air within a building. This was particularly important in an era before electricity and modern air conditioning, helping with ventilation and airflow in larger spaces.