Exterior view
by LEMERCIER, Jacques, Photo
The church of the Sorbonne (the university of Paris) is a centralized structure. Dominated by its dome, with a short transept, lengthened transverse arms, and side chapels, it has a similar ground plan to that of the Roman church of San Carlo ai Catinari.
The ground floor of the west fa�ade is dominated by massive Corinthian columns reinforced at the corners, but reduced to pilasters on the upper storey. Powerful entablatures emphasize the horizontal lines. A different design is used for the courtyard fa�ade; the stepped effect of the temple front, triumphal arch, hipped roof, and tambour dome give the picturesque effect of a stage set, a completely idiosyncratic combination of classical and Baroque elements.
The picture shows the west fa�ade.
View the ground plan of the church of the Sorbonne.