Italian Architects In Bangkok - Monuments To Their Artistry

Italian architects in Bangkok, Annibale Rigotti andmasterpiece, the Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall
MarioTamagno have created magnificentin the Royal Plaza. This majestic domed structure
landmarks in the city, a throne hall, two palaces,was completed in 1915 in the reign of King Rama
an old Catholic church of Portuguese origin, aVI.
memorial library for a Danish Protestant and theThe second piece of palace architecture by
building housing the seat of government,Tamagno was the Suan Kularb Residential Hall and
Government House.Throne Hall in Dusit Garden, the residence of
The two architects came to work in Bangkok atPrince Asdang Dejavudh, a son of King Rama V.
the turn of the 20th century during the reign ofTamagno continued with the Hua Lampong
King Rama V, when the king decided to build aRailway Station in 1910, a familiar Bangkok
new palace complex in Dusit Garden. Their worklandmark near Chinatown. The station was
in Bangkok during the Fifth and Sixth Reigns wascompleted in 1912 and became the rail terminal
to leave an indelible impression for years to come.for trains from all over Thailand.
Turin is a city known for Fiat, Ferrari, Lamborghini,In 1913 King Rama VI (1910 - 1925) ordered the
Maserati, fashion design and its School ofrebuilding of the Santa Cruz Church. The old
Architecture. Annibale Rigotti, (1870 - 1968)Portuguese church was first built in 1770 and again
graduated from this school and was responsiblein 1835. The 1913 structure, with its characteristic
for several buildings in Turin as well as a railwaydome and décor, bears the mark of the
station in Turkey and two theaters in Bulgaria.talented pair of Rigotti and Tamagno.
When Siam Commercial Bank started business inWhen Jennie Neilson Hayes, a Danish Protestant
1906; Rigotti was commissioned to design themissionary doing charitable work in Thailand, died in
first branch in Talad Noi near the Chao Phraya1920 her husband devoted a library in her
River. Completed in 1910, this beautiful building wasmemory. Opened in 1922, the Neilson Hayes
the venue for the centenary celebrations of theLibrary in Surawongse Road, next to the British
oldest bank in Thailand on 30 January 2006.Club, is another of Mario Tamagno's creations.
In 1906, Bang Khun Prom Palace was built forBaan Norasingh, the family home of General Chao
Prince Nakorn Sawan or Prince Paribatra, the 33thPhraya Ram Rakhop, is the work of Annibale
son of King Rama V. The palace, near the KingRigotti in 1923. Virtually a palace on 11 acres of
Rama VIII Bridge, now houses the Bank ofland, the home was requisitioned by the Thai
Thailand Museum and displays the old Thaigovernment after the June 1932 coup.
currency. Another Italian architect in Bangkok,This grand building became Government House
Mario Tamagno was responsible for this palace.with the offices of the Prime Minister and the
The two Italian architects in Bangkok, Rigotti andCabinet. Kings, Presidents and captains of industry
Tamagno teamed up in 1907 to produce ahave graced the reception halls.