Neoclassical architecture, emerging in the mid-18th century in Italy, France, and Germany, was a transformative style seeking to revive a purer, more authentic classical aesthetic. It aimed to strip away the elaborate excesses of the Late Baroque and Rococo, drawing heavily from the principles of ancient Roman and Greek architecture. Crucially influenced by archaeological discoveries, the style emphasizes symmetry, simple geometry, and the wall over dramatic light and shadow, creating a distinct and often austere visual order.

The movement saw an initial wave based on Roman forms, followed by a prominent Greek Revival from the early 19th century, with earlier 18th-century Palladianism serving as a significant precursor. Strongly associated with the Enlightenment, this architectural philosophy defined the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Today, its core principles continue to inspire "New Classical architecture" in the 21st century, demonstrating an enduring legacy.