Cosimo Morelli, (Imola, 1732-Imola, 1812) was one of the greatest exponents of the neoclassical architecture in Italy.
His father, also an architect, studied under Giovanni Domenico Trifogli (1675-1759), considered to be one of the Comacini, whose works were much appreciated in northern Italy.
Morelli was the most prolific architect during the Pontifical States of the mid-1700's, thanks mostly to his relationship with the Roman curia and his ability to interpret and develop the tastes of his epoch. Under the tutelage of Pope Pius VII, Morelli build, renovated, and amplified numerous civic and religious buildings. His fame, beyond his talent, was partly due to employing a “team” of artisans and painters in his commisions, such as Alessandro Dalla Nave, Antonio Villa and Angelo Gottarelli, among others.
Among some of Cosimo Morelli most famous works are:
· Chiesa di San Prospero in Imola, finished in September 4, 1836 for Bishop Giovanni Maria Mastai-Ferretti, who would later become Pope Pius IX, in 1846.
· Palazzo Braschi in Rome, on Piazza Navona and Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, build for duke Luigi Braschi Onesti, nephew of Pius IX, where use to be a former palazzo for the Orsini family. Today it houses the Museum of Rome.
· Teatro dell'Aquila in Fermo, in 1780, is renown for its acoustic.
· Teatro Lauro Rossi in Macerata, inaugurated in 1774 and still in use today.