The St. Ignatius Basilica is GORGEOUS.
Well what else do you expect of Baroque architecture? Baroque art was part of the Catholic Counter Reformation in response to the (you guessed it) Protestant Reformation. At the Council of Trent (1545-1563), the Church encouraged artists to return to dramatic and emotive art, emphasizing the grandeur and beauty of God and the Church. With Baroque art, there's no such thing as "too much;" if you want to put dozens of cherubs and saints and marble inlay and gold everywhere, you got it right. And the architect who built the St. Ignatius Basilica got it right.
We entered the Basilica a collective, "Oh!" Our necks craned upward, eyes dancing over every surface, stunned by the overwhelming beauty and detail in every corner. I tripped several times; I think that's how to recognize good Baroque architecture: you forget to look where you're going.
The contrast of light and dark in the Basilica - very Baroque - was quite evident. Although colors like burgandy and evergreen dominate the walls, the gold accents and sunlight streaming through the dome create contrast, reflecting the high stakes of faith that many felt during the Reformation and Counter Reformation.
But the beauty of the Basilica did not limit itself to things seen. Every time we spoke or sang, the sound echoed in clear voice for several seconds after. And each time, I stood smiling, not wanting to continue speaking until the echo had finished, prolonging the celebration of the Mass for the sheer joy of that sound.
Posted by Sarah, with thanks to Kate Ressel as Art History Consultant
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