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Aleviz FryazinItalian architect
Country:
 Italy |
Content:
- Aloisio da Carezano (c. 1435-1519)
- Early Projects
- Grand Kremlin Palace and Walls
- Fortifications along the Neglinnaya River
- Controversy over Authorship
- Later Life and Legacy
Aloisio da Carezano (c. 1435-1519)
Arrival in MoscowIn 1494, Aloisio da Carezano, an Italian architect known as Alevisio Stary ("Old Alevisio"), arrived in Moscow from Milan. He had been summoned by Grand Duke Ivan III to oversee the construction of the Kremlin's fortifications.
Early Projects
From 1494 to 1499, Alevisio completed the fortifications begun by the late Pyotr Antonio Solari. He strengthened the walls and towers along the Kremlin's western side, facing the Neglinnaya River.
Grand Kremlin Palace and Walls
In 1499, Alevisio began the construction of the Grand Kremlin Palace and the walls connecting it to the Borovitskaya Tower. Completed in 1508, the palace became the residence of Grand Prince Vasily III.
Fortifications along the Neglinnaya River
From 1508 to 1519, Alevisio supervised the construction of new walls, towers, dams, and a moat along the Neglinnaya River. This project further strengthened the Kremlin's defenses.
Controversy over Authorship
For much of the 20th century, Alevisio's contributions were overshadowed by those of the later-arriving Alevisio Novy ("New Alevisio"). However, recent research has challenged this view, attributing to Alevisio Stary the design of the Grand Kremlin Palace and arguing for his involvement in the churches built after 1514.
Later Life and Legacy
Alevisio's fate after 1519 remains unknown. His work, however, had a profound impact on Russian architecture, introducing Renaissance elements and shaping the appearance of the Kremlin as we know it today.
