Greek Revival Style

Greek Revival is an architectural and design style marked by an affinity for ancient Greek designs in buildings and home furnishings. Its features include an emphasis on bold, clean lines perhaps best represented by the Grecian-style columns that adorn the fronts of many buildings built in the style. In North America, Greek Revival style first took root in Philadelphia with such buildings as the Second Bank of the United States, and its influence can also be seen in the familiar Southern Colonial houses found in many states in the American South. Greek Revival-style buildings are often symmetrically shaped, have low-pitched triangular roofs, and feature simple but well-defined moldings. The style first became popular around the world in the early 1800s, when curiosity about ancient Greek was being fueled by a series of archaeological discoveries that captivated the public.