Giovanni Battista Nolli
Giambattista Nolli (1701 – 1756) was an Italian architect and surveyor born in Como. He moved to Rome serving the patrician Albani and Corsini families.
He is best known for his ichnographic* plan of Rome, the Pianta Grande di Roma. His surveying began in 1736 and his engraving ended in 1748. This huge map measures 69 by 82 inches and is composed of 12 individual copper plate engravings. It is now universally known as the Nolli Map. Commissioned by Pope Benedict XIV to create the demarcations for the 14 Rioni or districts of Rome. It was by far the most accurate description of Rome produced to date at a time when the architectural achievement of the Papacy was in full flower.
* ground or floor plans of buildings
