Parallelisms Between the Almo Collegio Borromeo of Pavia and the Colegio Real de Corpus Christi of Valencia

The Council of Trent represented a new vision of religious architecture aimed at the preaching and education of young people. In this context, numerous University Colleges and Seminars were promoted, San Carlos de Borromeo being a central figure in its development, promoter among others of the Borromeo College of Pavia. His proven friendship with Patriarch San Juan de Ribera undoubtedly influenced the construction of the Colegio de Corpus Christi in Valencia. Both buildings have ideological and architectural similarities that show the ancestry of the College of Pavia over that of Valencia. The disproportionate size of both, the use of all’antica architecture destined to
enhance the relationship between God and humankind, and the choice of prestigious architects for their design are three factors assuring the achievement of these emblematic buildings. Likewise, the use of a cloister typology favoring social, cultural and religious relationships benefits the functional order and the organizational structure in response to a reformist and formative pursuit.