Why did the renaissance take place?

The Renaissance began in Italy. Rome, the capital city, had been one of the main centres of the classical world. It was full of magnificent old buildings and other objects that inspired the 'rebirth' of culture. Money was an important reason why the Renaissance started in Italy. The Italian city-states were home to many wealthy families, who were eager to pay for new paintings, sculpture and architecture. Many of the great artists who were available to do the work lived in Italy. They made this one of the most stunningly creative periods in history.

Fact file

A column designed by Andrea Palladio, one of the great Renaissance architects. His buildings were designed using classical ideas.