Andrea Belli facts for kids

Andrea Belli (born October 13, 1703 – died October 19, 1772) was a famous Maltese architect and businessman. He designed many beautiful buildings in the Baroque style. One of his most famous works is the Auberge de Castille in Valletta. Today, this building is the office of the Prime Minister of Malta.

Andrea Belli's Life and Work

Andrea Belli was born in Valletta, Malta, on October 13, 1703. His father, Giuseppe Belli, was a surgeon, and his mother was Francesca Romano. When he was young, Andrea spent some time in Venice, Italy. Later, he also traveled to Austria and Germany.

Auberge de Castille, one of Belli's most famous designs.

The Mdina Seminary, now the Cathedral Museum, is thought to be designed by Belli.

Belli as a Businessman

Andrea Belli was also a very successful businessman. He managed to get a special agreement from Grand Master Pinto. This agreement gave him the only right to export Maltese limestone and other products. He sold these goods to countries in Africa, Asia, and Europe. This made him very wealthy.

Belli as an Architect

Belli became a skilled architect. He designed many buildings in the Baroque style. This style is known for its grand and detailed designs. There is a painting that might be of him, showing him with a design for Casa Manresa. This building is now the Curia of the Bishop.

Andrea's brother, Gabriele, worked closely with Grand Master Pinto. Because of this connection, Andrea received many important jobs from the Order of Malta. He became a key designer for major buildings during the 18th century Maltese Baroque period.

Famous Buildings by Andrea Belli

Here are some of the important buildings that Andrea Belli designed or is believed to have designed:

• The Seminary in Mdina (1733–42). This building is now the Cathedral Museum.
• The Augustinian priory in Rabat (1740).
• The Auberge de Castille in Valletta (1741–45). This is considered his most important work.
• The Bishop's curia in Floriana (1743).
• The main part of the Bishop's Palace in Valletta.
• The Church of Our Lady of Divine Providence in Siġġiewi (1750).
• Palazzo Don Raimondo in Valletta (1761–63). This building used to be the National Museum of Fine Arts.
• St. Philip Neri church in Birgu (believed to be his work).
• Palazzo Bonici in Valletta.
• A chapel at Villa Cagliares in Zejtun (believed to be his work).

The Church of Our Lady of Divine Providence in Siġġiewi.

Family Life and Later Years

In 1741, Andrea Belli also took over running the Manoel Theatre. He married Teresa Gam on June 5, 1737. They had one son together, named Giuseppe. Andrea Belli passed away on October 19, 1772, when he was 69 years old.