Virginio Vespignani

Who was Virginio Vespignani?

Virginio Vespignani was an Italian architect.

Vespignani was born in Rome. A student of Luigi Poletti, he was highly interested in classical architecture, becoming one of Roman neoclassical's main figures. To graduate, he helped illustrate in collaboration with the engraver and architect Rossini a work on the Antiquities of Pompei and on The Seven Hills of Rome. He later would collaborate with a book by the archeologist Edward Dodouvel, published in London.

In 1850 he built the neoclassical, domed Church of the Madonna dell’Archetto around the shrine of the Madonna in Palazzo Muti. He worked for a time as papal architect, and his works in Rome include the completion, restoration and rebuilding of the external facade of Porta Pia and the restoration of Santa Maria Maggiore and San Lorenzo fuori le mura. He was also one of many participants in the reconstruction of the Basilica of San Paolo, and rebuilt and decorated Porta San Pancrazio and.

In 1869, he became the main architect of the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. He was professor of architecture at the Academy of Saint Luke, and became president of the institution. He served on many boards and honorary memberships.