MOLE ANTONELLIANA, Structure

The Mole Antonelliana is a fine example of nineteenth-century architecture's "eclectic style", which I will now explain for you. It comes from Greek and means "choose" or "select": in fact, eclectic architects were inspired by different styles of the past, which they tried to harmoniously mix.

That's why when you look at the Mole you'll find neoclassical elements like the portico with six columns, but also neo-Gothic inspired structures like the tip of the spire with an octagonal base. The entrance, like a real temple, features a series of columns that support a triangular pediment.

The bottom has a square base and is incredibly massive: but the effect is lightened by the large windows above. As it rises, the Mole becomes thinner and thinner, up to the perfect point of its spire....