Alessandro Specchi facts for kids
Alessandro Specchi (born in 1668 – died November 16, 1729) was a talented Italian architect and artist. He was known for his beautiful buildings and detailed drawings of Rome.
About Alessandro Specchi
Alessandro Specchi was born in Rome in 1668. He learned how to be an architect from a famous teacher named Carlo Fontana. Specchi also became a skilled engraver. He created many well-known prints of vedute, which are detailed views of Rome.
As an architect, Specchi was inspired by the style of Francesco Borromini. His first big project was designing the Baroque Porto di Ripetta. This was Rome's main port on the Tiber River. With this design, Specchi moved away from his teacher Fontana's more traditional style.
The Porto di Ripetta was later taken down in 1874. This happened when new flood defenses and river roads were built. Today, Rome's Ponte Cavour bridge stands where the port once was. A fountain from the port was moved to a new spot nearby.
In 1711, Specchi became a member of the Academy of St. Luke. This was an important artists' academy in Rome.
As the Pope's architect, Specchi created a design for the famous Spanish Steps. These steps lead from the Piazza di Spagna up to the French church of the Trinità dei Monti. However, the design by a less famous architect, Francesco de Sanctis, was chosen instead. The Spanish Steps were built using de Sanctis's plan between 1723 and 1728.
Specchi designed and helped change several palaces in Rome. He designed the Palazzo de Carolis on the Via del Corso. This building is now the main office for the Banco di Roma bank. He also designed the main altar inside the Pantheon.
Other works include the Palazzo Pichini. He also made changes to the Palazzo Verospi and the Palazzo Albani. He added parts to the Palazzo del Quirinale. Specchi also designed a church for the Bambino Gesu. But this church was never built because there wasn't enough money. He also added the top part of the front of Vignola's church of Saint Anne in Vatican.
See also
In Spanish: Alessandro Specchi para niños
