DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS between Ireland and Italy extend all the way to architecture and an exhibition opening today in Dublin celebrates that.

Many grand buildings here were influenced by classical architect Andrea Palladio (who was born in Padua, Italy in 1508), not least the Italian ambassador’s residence at Lucan House. Ambassador Valerio Astraldi brought the exhibition to Ireland “to launch an ideal bridge between the culture of Italy and Ireland, linked together by Palladio’s vision”. The exhibition, in the Irish Architectural Archive at 45 Merrion Square, runs until May 26th. Included are photographs of the architect’s work, a translation of his Four Books of Architecture and a 1567 edition of architect Vitruvius’s book De Architectura, illustrated by Palladio.

Buildings in Ireland in the Palladian style include the Bank of Ireland on College Green by Edward Lovett Pearce; City Hall Dublin by Thomas Cooley; and James Gandon’s Four Courts.

“The Provost House in Trinity was designed by Palladio,” says ambassador Astraldi, “and is the only surviving building outside Italy designed by Palladio.” (The façade is closely derived from an unexecuted design by the architect).