Domenico Giliardi

Domenico Gilardi
Born	June 4, 1785 Montagnola
Died	February 26, 1845 Milano
Nationality	Italian
Occupation	Architect
Practice	Gilardi Family
Buildings	The Orphanage, Widows House, Catherine's Institute, Kuzminki Estate in Moscow, Russia
Projects	Reconstruction of public buildings in Moscow after the Great Fire of 1812

Domenico Gilardi (Доменико Жилярди, 1785–1845), was an Italian architect who worked primarily in Moscow, Russia in Neoclassicist style. He was one of key architects charged with rebuilding the city after the Fire of 1812. Gilardi’s legacy survives in public buildings like Moscow Orphanage, Widows’ House, Catherine’s Institute and the Old Hall of Moscow University.

The Gilardi family of architects, originally from Ticino, established itself in Russia in the middle of the 18th century. Domenico’s father Giovanni, also known as Ivan Dementievich, was well known in Moscow. Domenico was born in Montagnola and lived there until his mother brought him to Russia in 1796.

Domenico longed for a career in painting, so in 1799, his father sent him to an Italian workshop in St.Petersburg. After the death of Paul I, dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna awarded him a scholarship, and eventually a state-financed study tour to Italy. From 1803-1810 Domenico studied art in Milano, Florence, Venice and Rome.

Domenico returned to Russia in June 1810, and in January 1811 joined his father, who was the architect of the enormous Moscow Orphanage (Russian: Воспитательный дом, Foundling House). The first two stages of this enormous structure, conceived by educator Ivan Betzkoy, were completed in 1764-1781 and required continuous additions and improvements. Domenico remained in the employ of the Orphanage for the rest of his career.

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