Father of American Architecture
Andrea Palladio (1508–1580) is one of the world’s most brilliant and accomplished architects. He is best known for his creation of Villa Capra, better known as La Rotunda. This seminal work was designed between 1566 and 1567 and completed in 1585 by his understudy Vincenzo Scamozzi. Designed as a retirement home, La Rotunda is built on a hill with panoramic views outside of Vicenza, Italy. Built in the Classical style with Renaissance elements, it served as inspiration for Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello home. His works served as inspiration for the United States Capitol Building and the White House. He was so influential in the United States that the 111th Congress of the United States of America even dubbed him “The Father of American Architecture” on the 500th anniversary of his birth year.
Andrea Palladio was so named because his mentor, Count Trissino renamed him “Palladio”, as a reference to the wisdom of Pallas Athena. One of his greatest works is the Teatro Olimpico- the world’s first indoor theater. The Teatro Olimpico was his final design as construction began in the year of his death, 1580, and wasn’t completed until 1584. The theater is also located in Vicenza, Italy and is still used to this day. His work and influence is readily apparent throughout the city of Vicenza, his hometown. He is also instrumental in creating some of the best known landmarks of Venice- the Rialto Bridge and San Giorgio Maggiore among others. The city of Vicenza erected a statue in his honor, signifying his influence on the cities architecture. One cannot walk through either Vicenza or Venice, without feeling his influence.
