SPADA, VIRGILIO. - Oratorian, architect, b. at Brisighella (Faenza) on 17 July 1596, d. at Rome on 11 Dec. 1662.
A close relative of the cardinals Bernardino (d. in 1661) and Fabrizio (d. in 1717), he came to Rome after an adventurous youth and, already a priest, was admitted to the Oratory on 14 Oct. 1622; from 1 Apr. 1638 to 10 June 1645 he was also its provost. He was almoner to Innocenzo X and Alessandro VII and, from 15 March 1636, commendator of S. Spirito. He rendered outstanding services through his great administrative ability and technical competence in the field of construction. He was associated with Bernini, Borromini, Rainaldi, Algardi, Fr. Grassi, Carlo Fontana, and other well-known architects of that period. His work was particularly valuable to the Congregation of the Oratory, since he attended to the completion of the Chiesa Nuova, remaining very close to Borromini. From 1645 he was part of the administration of the Vatican Basilica, thus taking part in the discussions of those years, especially concerning the bell tower and the famous colonnade. Before the latter was erected, in 1651 he drew up a highly detailed plan for creating a large square in front of the Vatican Basilica, demolishing the houses situated between Borgo Vecchio and Borgo Nuovo. He also gave assistance in the construction of the Carceri nuove and other buildings. His is the Opus architectonicum which was published under Borromini’s name.
Renata Orazi Ausenda