Aloisio da Milano, also Aloisio da Carezano, Aleviz Milanets and Aleviz Fryazin (Russian: Алевиз Миланец, Алевиз Фрязин, Алевиз Фрязин Миланец; born c. 15th century) was an Italian architect who worked in the Grand Principality of Moscow.

Architectural Work in Moscow edit

Aloisio da Carezano came to Moscow in 1494, at the invitation of Ivan III, to replace Pietro Antonio Solari as a senior court architect, responsible for fortifications and palaces.

  • In 1495, he rebuilt the walls and towers of the Moscow Kremlin, along the Neglinnaya River.
  • In 1499–1508, Aloisio da Milano constructed a few stone chambers, which today constitute the first three floors of the Terem Palace.
  • In 1508–1516, he also dug a moat (later dubbed the Alevizov moat in his honor) along the Kremlin wall on the side of the Red Square, covered with limestone and bricks. It was filled up in the 19th century.
  • Aloisio da Milano also constructed a dam on the Neglinnaya River in 1508, and a bridge over it in 1516.

Origin of title edit

The Fryazin title originates from the old Russian word фрязь (fryaz), derived from frank, that was used to denote people from Northern Italy.

See also edit