The reason for this piece is to attempt a comparison between two architectural examples employing classical design from different stylistic eras of architectural history. The two styles I have chosen to discuss are the Renaissance and Baroque periods. It is necessary to understand classical architecture, as it is the fundamental style of each period that developed architecturally. “Classic” is not necessarily a style of architecture; however people of the modern dialect often believe it to be. Classic is rather a way of designing that reflects balance, harmony and symmetry. Scale, mass and proportion are also key elements of classic design. If a building isn't sized or proportioned correctly, it won't look or feel right. The aim of classical design has always been, according to Vitruvius' De Architectura libri decem (De Architectura), known today as The Ten Books on Architecture, to proportion a harmonious structure. According to Marcus Vitruvius Pollio the theory of proportions is particularly important when it comes to designing a building, a passage in which his study relates human and architectural proportions states: “It is possible to insert the human figure into a perfect square... if therefore Nature designed the human body in such a way that its members are proportionate to the whole of the figure, the ancients had good reason to lay down the rule that in perfect constructions the different parts must have an exact symmetrical relationship with respect to the whole. .. ” 1This idea of ​​the primary importance of the human form as the measure of all proportions is fundamental to the Renaissance. Much of these classical features remained popular into the next period, the Baroque period; however, the difference between the two periods has a lot to do with… middle of the paper… today. The Basilica is used to contain… and Santa Maira is… Both possess a classical strength, however, where the Basilica is very severe in its symmetry and proportions as the main concern, the purpose of Santa Maria is to express movement whilst being and also symmetrical. “The Renaissance movement had no redeeming features in the sense that its greatest achievements are nothing compared to the infantile phases of the early times.” Refreshingly uniform, the basilica is heavily focused on definition and structure. The dome of the basilica is considered the masterpiece of design. A lot of effort went into designing the dome; it is a key element of the basilica. Although St. Peter's is classified as a Renaissance building, it also retains a significant amount of Baroque elements. The exterior was not richly decorated but the interior is full of sculptures and mosaics.