Attilio Savoia was an Italian model builder who created incredibly detailed miniature replicas of famous bridges and buildings. The document describes some of his most famous models including a 1:200 scale model of the Roma Termini Train Station completed in 1950 and a 1:100 scale model of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City that took 5 years to build and included 400,000 individual pieces. It also discusses his son Lucio Savoia who continued the family business of miniature model building in the United States.

3. Attillo Savoia
(1893-1975)
At age 14, Attilio Savoia built his first
model -- an exact likeness of the famous
bridge of Taranto, Italy.
This bridge connects the old city of
Taranto with the new, and through its
unique opening mechanism, passed the
warships into the naval base.
For this reason the bridge was under
navy jurisdiction and guard.
Attilio decided that his model must be
accurate, so with the aid of a plumb line
took measurements from the bridge
itself.

4. During this time of gathering exact measurements of the bridge, he was arrested in
suspicion of being a spy. The Navy released him after learning of his architectural gift
and awarded him a showcase of his work. By the age of 18 he joined the government
services as an architectural draftsman in Milan.

6. Attilio was employed by the Italian Ministry of Transport
He created models of many government projects

7. Roma Termini Train Station
1-200 scale
1950

12. Basilica of Saint Peter
1:100 scale
1950

14. Five years to build
Three years of taking exact
measurements and photographs and
two years to carve
The replica with working lights and
fountains has 400,000 pieces
Completed September 2, 1950

15. His Holiness Pope Pius XII Blesses Savoia’s Replica 2 September 1950

27. Lucio Savoia
(1925 – 1981)
University of Rome
School of Architecture
Came to US early 1950’s to
tour with St. Peters Replica
Holabird and Root, Chicago
1955-1962
Savoia Studio, Chicago
1962-1980
Model of Downtown Milwaukee

28. Piazza San Marco
Venice, Italy
1:100 scale
1963

30. There are 3200 windows, 880 columns and more
than 600 hand carved figures which add the vital
touch of reality to the replica
Working lights and tiny painted images of the many
detailed mosaics bring warmth to the model
It took nine years to complete
over 15,000 hours

35. The famous Bridge of Sighs connects the Ducal courts to the prison. The base relief of the
Gondolier’s Madonna is on the Bridge Della Paglia near the water on the left.

36. Upon closer inspection of the miniature figures, you will also notice some of the everyday activity in the piazza.
For example, there is an artist and you can see the subject of his painting.

37. Former Royal Gardens
This model goes beyond just architectural and artistic accuracy to include iconic tributes to Venetian
culture. For example this romantic miniature gondola is framed by reflections of the exterior lights.

38. Note the four copper horses as well as the Lion of Venice and angel's wings in gold leaf.

39. Attilio’s miniature paintings of the facade mosaics are remarkably accurate. The surrounding text is also legible.

40. The canal entry to the Archbishop’s Palace and items in the shop windows illuminated by working interior lights.

41. In the Piazzetta of the Little Lions, there are shops, Danielle Manin’s tomb and the Archbishop’s Palace.
Notice the lovely impression of marble and the wire detail around Danielle Manin's tomb.

42. Clock Tower
On the terrace at the top of the tower are two bronze figures striking a bell. They are known as "the
Moors". Below this is the winged Lion of Venice with an open book before a blue background with gold
stars. Next is a semi-circular gallery with statues

43. When the model is assembled, this beautiful facade and Giant’s Staircase are completely enclosed
within the Ducal Palace Courtyard and cannot be seen without an overhead mirror.

44. The Porta Della Carta is an important elaborate gateway between the Basilica and the Ducal Palace.
The door is surrounded by a framework of ornamentation and allegorical figures; above is Doge
Francesco Foscari kneeling before the Lion of Venice.

49. sanmarcopiazza.com

50. casaitaliachicago.org
sanmarcopiazza.com
Thank You
casaitaliachicago.org
Thank You

51. Attilio Savoia Films Istituto Luce Cinecitta
Lucio Savoia WTMJ TV Interview University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Archives
Digital Photography Ambrose Marton and Mrs. Barbara Savoia
Additional Photographs Sabrina Savoia Marton
Webmaster Renata Paloian (Savoia)
Technical Advisor (website) David Paloian
Movie Production Cassandra Paloian
Movie Soundtrack Shirley Seguin
S E E Chicago WGN TV