Domenico Fontana

Domenico Fontana (1543–1607) was born at Melide on Lake Lugano and settled in Rome in 1563, working his way up from plasterer to master builder. In 1584 Cardinal Montalto entrusted him with building the Chapel of the Manger in Santa Maria Maggiore.

When Montalto became Pope Sixtus V in 1585, Fontana was named architect of St Peter's and added the lantern to Michelangelo's dome. In 1586 he famously moved the ancient Vatican obelisk into St Peter's Square and re-erected three other Roman obelisks.

After Sixtus died he fell from favour and in 1592 moved to Naples, where he served the Spanish viceroy until his death on 28 June 1607.