Palace Scaglia di Verrua, Turin
Palace Scaglia di Verrua in Turin has a special meaning and value. This old aristocratic mansion is a kind of white crow among the city buildings. Most of them were built in the 17–18 centuries in the Baroque style. This palace was more ancient and retained the authenticity of the Renaissance. It is definitely worth turning from the pedestrian street Via Garibaldi to a nondescript lane, and you will be at the threshold of a true miracle.
History of the palace
The building was commissioned at the end of the 16th century by the Filiberto Scaglia di Verrua. The works started in 1584, and in 1590, not completed mansion was purchased by the chief financier of the city Giacomo Solaro. In 1603, the bulk of the work was completed, the last thing to do was to decorate the palace according to the rich status of the owner. To this end, he invited an artist from Brescia, Antonio Parentani, who worked at the royal court. In 1604 it was finished, and a truly unique project became the home of a rich official. In 1660, the palace became the property of the wealthy Count's clan Scaglia di Verrua, which from the 13th century was one of the most revered families in the courtyard of the house of Savoy. Immediately after the purchase, the new owners expanded and reconstructed the building. The project was led by the architect Gian Andrea Garabello, the work was completed in 1665, and the Renaissance style was preserved.
A hundred years later, the last representative of the family had gotten married with the Count Giuseppe San Martino della Motta, and for a while the mansion became their home. At the end of the 18th century the palace was bought by a Count, a representative of another noble family – Balbo Bertone di Sambuy. This family exists today, and his successor – Countess Maria, born in 1947, now lives in a small part of the mansion, the windows of which go into a closed courtyard.
Decoration of the palace
By the way, simple townspeople live in the neighborhood with an aristocrat. After all, residential apartments are now on the second and third floors of the building. The first floor is occupied by a small hotel and a jeweler's workshop. And this is quite strange, given the age of the palace and its beauty. The reason for the latter is simple: at that time, aristocrats tried to stand out due to the sophistication of their houses. The architecture of the building is simple and elegant, and, unlike many other palaces, this one was not rebuilt in Baroque style, leaving everything as it was, and now it is the only representative of the Renaissance style in Turin. The real decorations and highlights of the building are unique frescoes.
Above the entrance of the mansion there is a coat of arms of the family Scalia di Verrua. The whole façade is decorated with many drawings on various themes. Given the advanced age, they are quite well preserved. Two restorations, in 1988 and 2012 contributed to it. Passing through the entrance doors to the courtyard, you will be even more surprised. The first floor has a gallery with columns that form arches. The entire façade of the building, as well as outside, is covered with frescoes on different motifs. However, images of many personalities of ancient mythology prevail. All this looks amazingly harmonious and beautiful. Near the doors, two statues of some mythological monsters and a small fountain with a face of a monster complement the overall picture.
How to get there
The palace is located in the center of Turin, on Via Stampatori, 4, in the ancient area of Isola di Sant'Alessio. You can easily miss the mansion, but it will be a big mistake, because it is unique in Turin. Within walking distance there are the Palazzo di Città Square, the Barolo Palace, the Savings Museum and many other attractions of the city center. Nearby there is a public transport stop Monte di Pieta. You can reach it by tram № 4, and by buses № 11, 19, 27, 51, 57, 92, STAR2, N04, W60.
