In the space of 150 years, Europe was transformed by a single movement: Baroque. Emerging from Italy around 1600, this new way of thinking re-energized the arts and set architects free from the restraints of the Renaissance – culminating in the development of some of the continent’s most inspiring and creative buildings.
Today, the influence of the Baroque can still be admired across Europe, from its art, music and cultural legacy, to its majestic buildings and structures. So, join us as we explore the highlights of this instrumental movement, taking a whistle-stop tour through the architecture, music and art of Baroque Europe.
Baroque architecture emerged in Italy in the late-16th century, building on the long success of Renaissance design, yet with less-than-subtle differences. Where Renaissance works were restrained and austere, Baroque brought a renewed sense of theatre and drama – with light, colour, and ornamentation exaggerating common architectural flourishes. The movement brought us some of Europe’s most distinguished and attractive buildings, all in a window of around 150 years.
From Porto to St Petersburg, the Baroque is on display across the continent. Here, we introduce four of the movement’s signature buildings, all of which can be explored and discovered on a Scenic river cruise.
The Baroque movement in classical music spanned a period of around 150 years, roughly from 1600 to 1750. It was popularised across much of Europe, from its origins in Rome to the High Baroque movement of Portugal, towards the mid-18th century. Drawing on Renaissance influences, the movement is known for its ornate, exaggerated melodies, vivid instrumentation and distinct sub-genres, which included opera, oratorio, cantata, sonata and concerto.
Experience the beauty of Baroque classicism with our selection of the movement’s signature compositions.
Baroque came to dominate the standards of European art in the 17th century and early-18th centuries. Originating in Rome around the time of the Catholic Counter-Reformation, it was influential across the continent – its realism, emotive use of colour and sense of movement representing a bold new direction away from the Renaissance form.
Tap into the spirit of Baroque with our pick of the genre’s essential works, all available to view as part of a European river cruise.