Alessandro Antonelli facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alessandro Antonelli
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| Born | July 14, 1798 Ghemme
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| Died | October 18, 1888 (aged 90) |
| Occupation | architect |
Alessandro Antonelli (born July 14, 1798 – died October 18, 1888) was a famous Italian architect from the 1800s. He is best known for designing the incredible Mole Antonelliana in Turin, which is named after him. He also designed the Novara Cathedral and the Basilica of St. Gaudenzio in Novara.
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Who Was Alessandro Antonelli?
Alessandro Antonelli was born in a town called Ghemme, close to Novara. He studied architecture in two big Italian cities, Milan and Turin. For many years, he worked for the government, helping to plan how land was used.
In 1828, he won an architecture competition at the Accademia Albertina. This led him to move to Rome, where he studied advanced geometry. This helped him understand how to design complex and strong buildings.
Antonelli's Return to Turin
Antonelli believed that buildings should be useful and well-designed. He had a big idea to update the old parts of Turin. He returned to Turin in 1836 and stayed until 1857. During this time, he became a professor at the Albertina Academy, teaching others about architecture.
He also took part in local government. He helped make decisions for the Kingdom of Sardinia's Parliament and for the city councils of Turin and Novara.
Important Buildings by Antonelli
During this busy period, Antonelli designed many buildings. These included homes, a town hall, and the Sanctuary of Boca. The dome of the Sanctuary of Boca was never finished because it was too risky to build. He also designed a villa in Romagnano Sesia and a home for orphans in Alessandria.
He helped plan the layout of cities like Ferrara and Novara. He designed the church of San Clement and a medical center in Bellinzago Novarese. Another church in Borgolavezzaro (built from 1858–1862) was also finished without its dome because it was too expensive.
The Basilica of San Gaudenzio
One of Antonelli's most impressive works is the Basilica of San Gaudenzio in Novara. It was finished in 1887. This building is very daring and made of brick. Its tall dome reaches 121 meters (about 397 feet) into the sky. In Novara, he also designed the Casa Bossi and the main Cathedral.
The Mole Antonelliana
Antonelli's most famous building is the Mole Antonelliana. It is a symbol of Turin and is named after him. Construction started in 1863. It was originally planned to be a Jewish synagogue.
However, the city council of Turin finished the building in 1897. It later became the Risorgimento Museum, which tells the story of Italy's unification. In 1953, a strong storm with a tornado damaged the spire. But it was rebuilt in 1961, looking just like Antonelli's original drawings.
Antonelli passed away in 1888. He was buried in his family's cemetery in Maggiora.
See also
In Spanish: Alessandro Antonelli para niños
