What does peristyle mean?
A peristyle is a colonnade arranged around a building, temple, or courtyard, creating an architectural space that can be experienced from multiple sides. Its defining feature is enclosure: unlike a portico, which projects from the front of a building, a peristyle extends around a structure and commonly forms part of its overall plan. In classical architecture, a peristyle temple has columns running along its exterior, often framing entrances and surrounding the main chamber. The word is useful when describing the ordered repetition of columns, the relationship between a sanctuary and its surrounding space, or the distinctive appearance of a building from every angle. Although often associated with ancient Greek and Roman architecture, the term also applies to later buildings that consciously imitate or revive classical colonnades.
nounA row or series of columns surrounding a building, temple, or courtyard. In classical architecture, the term may also refer to a building designed with a surrounding colonnade.
- A colonnade or row of columns surrounding a building, temple, or courtyard.
- A temple or other classical building characterized by a surrounding colonnade.
"The temple was enclosed by a graceful peristyle of slender columns."
"Visitors crossed the courtyard beneath the museum's peristyle."
"The ancient sanctuary was preserved with its original peristyle of carved stone columns."
The standard plural is peristyles, referring to multiple colonnades or column-surrounded structures.
"The excavated site contains the remains of several ancient peristyles."
Peristyle comes from the Greek for “around columns”: it names architecture designed to be experienced in the round.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does peristyle come from?
The word entered English through French and Latin from the Greek peristylos, an adjective meaning “surrounded by columns.” Its elements are Greek peri, “around,” and stylos, “column” or “pillar.” The related English words style and stylus ultimately derive from the same Greek word for a column or writing stick, while perimeter and periphery preserve the Greek prefix peri, “around.”
How peristyle is actually used
This is chiefly an architectural term. It is usually used for a complete surrounding arrangement of columns, rather than for a single porch or projecting entrance.
Easily confused with peristyle
A portico is a porch or projecting entrance supported by columns, whereas a peristyle is a colonnade extending around a building or courtyard.