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Nicola Salvi facts for kids

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Nicola Salvi was a famous Italian architect. He was born in Rome on August 6, 1697. He passed away in Rome on February 8, 1751. One of his most well-known projects is the beautiful Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy.

Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy 2 - May 2007
The amazing Trevi Fountain designed by Nicola Salvi.

Nicola Salvi's Life and Work

Becoming an Architect

Nicola Salvi first studied subjects like mathematics and philosophy. He joined the Roman Academy of Arcadia in 1717. After these studies, he decided to become an architect. His teacher was Antonio Canevari. Canevari was also an architect for the king of Portugal. In 1728, Canevari moved to Lisbon. Salvi then took on his own projects in Rome. These were often smaller decorative works. At that time, there wasn't as much money for huge buildings in Rome as there used to be.

Designing the Trevi Fountain

In 1732, Pope Clement XII held two big design contests. One was for a new front for the church of Saint John Lateran. The other was for a public fountain in the Trevi area. Another architect, Alessandro Galilei, won the church design contest. But many people loved Salvi's design too.

However, Salvi's design for the Trevi Fountain was chosen! He won over other famous architects like Ferdinando Fuga and his friend Luigi Vanvitelli. Sadly, Nicola Salvi did not live to see the fountain finished. His friend Pietro Bracci completed it in 1762.

Other Important Projects

Nicola Salvi created a few other important works. He rebuilt the Church of Santa Maria in Gradi (Chiesa di Santa Maria a Gradi) in Viterbo in 1738. This church was later destroyed by bombs during World War II. It is now being restored.

He also designed a chapel for the Igreja de São Roque Jesuit church in Lisbon, Portugal. Many believe this was the most expensive chapel ever built. He worked on this project with Luigi Vanvitelli. Salvi also made a special tabernacle for the abbey of Monte Cassino.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Nicola Salvi para niños

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