Luigi (Alois) Negrelli

Luigi (Alois) Negrelli was born on 23 January 1799 in the beautiful Dolomites in Fiera di Primiero (TN) - at that time part of Austria. A true master of engineering, he completed his studies at the youthful age of 21. His buildings have stood the test of time and - even 224 years after his birth - the majority of them are still in operation and are essential for global networking by sea and land. Negrelli was the spiritual father of the lockless Suez Canal (Egypt) and, among many other projects in Europe, was the main man responsible for the construction of the "Spanish Brötlibahn" (Zurich-Baden) and the Münster Bridge (Zurich). Luigi Negrelli has been appointed several times by public authorities (Canton of Sankt Gallen, Zurich, Glarus, Uri, Ticino and Valais) as a committed and innovative expert to develop infrastructure or to provide advice and assistance with difficult structural, geotechnical and hydraulic engineering challenges. The list would be too long to list all his projects. His life was far too short (U 1858 in Vienna), but nevertheless fulfilling. His life has been summarised in a manageable *booklet in an easily digestible way and reads like an adventure book and travel guide through time, technology and Europe and could well serve as compulsory reading for young people before choosing a career.


*Produced by the Culture and Tourism Departments of the Municipality of Primiero San Martino di Castrozza (TN)