Columns and Arches Beyond Time: The Greek and Romanesque Building Styles in Taiwan

Taiwanese architectural styles have been deeply influenced by Western classical culture, with Greek and Roman architecture being the most well-known. These two styles were widely adopted during different periods, not only reflecting the spirit of classical aesthetics but also becoming cultural symbols in architecture. But do you know the difference between Greek and Roman architectural styles?

Greek Architecture: The Poetry of Columns and the Art of Proportion

The most famous elements of Greek architecture are its three classic column designs:

• Doric: The column shaft is simple and lacks a base, with a disc-shaped capital, embodying simplicity and stability.
• Ionic: The capitals feature double spiral decorations, and the columns are slender, giving an elegant impression.
• Corinthian: The capital often contains decorative leaf elements, representing opulence and grandeur.

In Taiwan, Greek architectural elements are commonly found in luxury departments, public buildings, and tourist attractions:

• Dibao The Palace Mansion: Features Corinthian and Ionic columns, highlighting a sense of elegance
• National Taiwan Museum: Constructed with Doric columns, creating an aura of solemnity reminiscent of ancient temples.
• Guesthouse of Mars & Tiffany Small Island in Yilan: The blue and white colour palette and column design blend harmoniously, offering a feeling of immersion along the Aegean coast.

• Romanesque Architecture: the Practical Aesthetics of Arches and Domes

On the basis of Greek columns, Romanesque architecture emphasized utility and technical innovation. The most notable characteristics are as follows:

• Arches and Domes: Arch structures were originally invented by the Romans for buildings such as theaters, public baths and temples, with the aim of improving durability and spatial expression.
• Concrete technology: The use of concrete as a building material made large-scale construction possible.
• Column evolution: While retaining the Greek column styles, the Tuscan and Composite styles were introduced.

In Taiwan, Romanesque buildings are mostly seen in public buildings from the Japanese colonial period.

• Taipei Guest House: The combination of Greek and Romanesque columns brings out the classical vibe of the colonial era.
• Tainan District Court: The Roman Baroque style is particularly striking, with its arches and domes.

Greek vs Romanesque: A Comparison of the Two Classical Styles

Conclusion: The Revival of Classical Architecture in Taiwan

Greek architecture leads us to explore the elegance and grandeur of ancient civilisation through its ultimate pursuit of proportion and beauty. Romanesque architecture, on the other hand, opens up new horizons in architecture through its practical spirit and technical innovations. Together, these two styles complement each other in Taiwan's buildings, shaping a diverse and historically layered cityscape and highlighting the continuity of culture through architectural details.

Some images are sourced from the internet. If there are any copyright concerns, please contact us.

Easter Egg

On 1 August 2025,
mischievous Hamster visited a square with a high building in the middle.
Getting a closer look, he saw many large pillars.
It would take at least 50 hamsters holding hands to encircle just one column!