Karl Ivanovich Rossi (born Carlo di Giovanni Rossi) is an outstanding Russian architect of Italian origin, who became the main creator of the Russian Empire style. His grandiose projects largely determined the classical architectural appearance of St. Petersburg, turning the city into one majestic ensemble.
Born on December 29, 1775 in Naples. Son of the famous ballerina Gertrude Rossi. As a child he moved to Russia with his mother and stepfather, the famous choreographer Charles Le Pic.
He studied at the famous school in St. Petersburg Petrishul, then became a student of the architect Vincenzo Brenna. To complete his education, he went to Italy, where he studied at the Academy of Florence.
When he returned, he became the court architect. Rossi did not think in terms of individual buildings, but in complete squares and streets, which form the overall urban environment.
In the twilight of his life, due to intrigues and disagreements with Nicholas I, he resigned. He died on April 18, 1849 in St. Petersburg during a cholera epidemic. He was buried in the 18th century Necropolis of Alexander Nevsky Lebara.