As for a "cookie-cutter" temple, nothing could be further from the truth. What with Italian and Roman laws, design of the exterior will be prescribed by the neighborhood chosen for the edifice.

As for the Baroque architecture style, yes, the city is predominately Baroque, but there are many neighborhoods that are Italian Gothic, Italian Renaissance, Mannerist, Rococo, and 19th and 20th century. Rome is a huge city, and it has many areas where a temple would be welcome.

Now for the art history lesson. Michelangelo was not the "initial designer of St. Peter's Dome." That would go to Leon Battista Alberti and Bernardo Rossellino, with changes made by a host of others, including Bramante, Raphael and Michelangelo. As for a "tour of European cathedrals," that is already part of most architects' schooling. In Rome, a French Gothic (Chartres) styled temple would be as equally out of place as Seikaly's "cookie-cutter" temple.

Dan Campbell

Salt Lake City