Palace Birago di Borgaro, Turin
Palace Birago di Borgaro in Turin is a true symbol of its era. This rich mansion fully conveys some quirks of its first owner, who belonged to an ancient aristocratic family. Everything is refined here: from the façade to every small detail of the interior. Having served centuries to noble families, now the palazzo is the home of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turin.
History of the building
Count Augusto Renato Birago di Borgaro was the initiator of the construction. During his lifetime he had built a successful military career, became a general and had high status at the court of the King of Sardinia. This allowed him to become a teacher for the heirs of the throne. Having a good wealth, the nobleman bought a piece of land in the center of Turin and on June 13, 1716 laid the first stone of the future palazzo. This project was carried out by the architect Filippo Juvarra. At that time he was already quite famous. After the construction the family of Birago lived in the mansion for a long time. In 1858, the palace was sold to another noble family, the Marquises of Della Valle. The new owners arranged a small renovation, while retaining the original appearance. In 1943 the palace suffered from bombing raids. In 1989 the building was restored by the Turin Building Fund. And in 2000, the headquarters of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turin was located here.
Architecture of the palace
The Palazzo is unusual, discreet, rich and stylistically balanced. The façade of the mansion is a fine example of early Baroque. Moreover, even in the framework of this style, the architect did not change his unique style. Harmony, imagination and grace were characteristic of it. Filled and empty spaces are subtly balanced throughout the palace. Curved and triangular pediments alternate on the windows. The central entrance leads to the atrium, one of the most elegant in the city. The open vast territory is filled with columns, the beautiful vaulted ceiling has lunettes. There is a magnificent view of the courtyard. Here, you can fully feel the style of the architect. The walls are slightly curved and bent, which gives the court the effect of the theatrical scene. The left part retains the original idea of the architect – "trompe l'oeil". In the center there is a statue, added already in the 19th century.
While climbing the majestic staircase that leads to the lobby, you can see a change in style. This is a consequence of the restoration of 1858, conducted in the spirit of Eclecticism and Rococo. The beautiful structure of the staircase and the rational distribution of the rooms remained intact. The main hall, once intended for solemn receptions and balls is as beautiful as 300 years ago. You can clearly see the garden of Palazzo dal Pozzo della Cisterna from it. There have been some changes in Palazzo after the Chamber of Commerce was located here. Halls and rooms are now decorated with paintings, both of contemporary artists and representatives of the 18-19 centuries. Also, the interior was enriched with furniture from the residence of the kings of Savoy. Some exhibitions and events are held in the palace today.
How to get there
The palace is located in the heart of historic Turin, on Via Carlo Alberto, 16. The Asinari di San Marzano Palace and the famous Museo Egizio are situated nearby. Not far from it, there is Roma stop, which can be reached by buses STAR1 and STAR2. A bit further there is a Giolitti stop, buses № 6, 18, 61, 68, S05, S18 pass by it. When planning your visit, you can specify details in the Chamber of Commerce by phone number (+39) 011 57161.
