The pilaster is a key element of classical architecture, blending aesthetic and functional qualities. Unlike a freestanding column, it is embedded into the wall surface and projects only slightly. Like a column, it consists of a base, shaft, and capital, following classical orders. During the Renaissance and Baroque periods, pilasters were extensively used to articulate façades and add depth. They can serve a load-bearing function but are often purely decorative. Architects such as Bramante and Michelangelo deliberately used pilasters to create monumental compositions and emphasize vertical lines.