Grondana Palace, Turin
Grondana Palace in Turin is a typical representative of noble residences of the 18th century. A beautiful and strict mansion in the center of the city is now waiting for the best times to come after the restoration that many of its neighbors experienced.
History and architecture
The construction of the palace was ordered by the Earl Erasmo d'Harcourt, and originally the building was called after the nobleman. The works were carried out according to the project of the architect Filippo Castelli in 1782-1783. Together with him, another master, Carlo Borda, worked on the façade. The building was executed in a neoclassical style characteristic for the time. Strict contours of the façade of the four-story building are emphasized by even projections under the windows. Above the latter there are triangular pediments. A balcony and carved bas-relief in the form of a medallion hang above the entrance door. Previously, it was decorated with the coat of arms of a Count's family.
The family owned the estate until 1926, when they sold it to Banco di Roma, and the bank resold the building. The new owner of the palace was the gas company Società Italiana per il Gas, which housed its headquarters here. In 1942, the building was partially destroyed during the bombing, and after the war it was rebuilt. Now there is a library and archives of the company. At the beginning of 2018, the building was dilapidated and waiting for restoration.
How to get there
Grondana Palace is located in the historic center of Turin, on Via XX Settembre, 41. Around it there are many historic buildings, including the Palace Trucchi di Levaldigi and Lascaris. And huge San Carlo Square is one quarter away to the east, on which the townspeople celebrate the New Year. Nearby there is a public transport stop Arcivescovado. It can be reached by tram lines 4, 15, and buses № 11, 55, 57, 58, 92, S04, STAR1.
