Barolo Palace, Turin
Barolo Palace in Turin (Palazzo Falletti di Barolo) is one of the most important and beautiful aristocratic residences of the city. And if the entire old city has a single architectural Baroque style, then Barolo Palace is its most outstanding representative. This is not just a mansion of amazing beauty. Here there are organizations that continue the work of their pioneers, taking an active part in the cultural and social life of the city.
History of the Barolo Palace
The palace existed in 1648, when its owner, Count Carlo Amedeo Provana di Druent, ordered the expansion of the building. In 1692-1720, a large-scale reconstruction was carried out according to the project of the architect Gian Francesco Baroncelli. At this time, the last representative of the count's family lived here with her husband. In 1727, their son, the Marquis Ottavio Giuseppe Falletti di Barolo, inherited the estate. In 1743, he started a new restoration, remaking the interior according to the new trends of Rococo, the project was carried out by the famous architect Benedetto Alfieri. The palace was altered two more times in 1780 and 1805–1808. The last time by order of the most famous representative of the family line – Carlo Tancredi Falletti di Barolo. The Marquis and his wife were close to the royal court of Sardinia, they were actively engaged in charity, supporting low-income segments of the population.
The Marquise Giulia di Barolo founded the social organization Opera Pia Barolo, which still operates and is housed in the premises of the mansion. In 1906-1907, the southern part of the building was demolished to expand the street. In 1942-1943 the building was destroyed by the bombs. Later, the façade and interior were restored, for the last time in 2012. And now the visitor can see all the beauty of the noble estate of the 19th century.
Decoration of the palace and modern state
The external façade of the Barolo Palace is quite restrained, although it has decorations in the form of decorative stucco and ornaments. But going inside, you can see all the wealth of the building and feel the flight of fantasy of architects and artists who designed the interior.
The most recognizable element is a monumental marble staircase leading to the main floor. It is located in the center, whereas most contemporaries arranged stairs on the side, near the walls. Passing through the stairs, you can observe the central hall on the main floor, which is quite impressive with its decorative elements of the 18th century: plaster, frescoes, paintings and mirrors. It also houses the apartments of the 19th-century writer Silvio Pellico, who helped the Marquise after the death of her husband.
The last block, located on the main floor, consists of four halls – a billiard room, a blue hall, a bedroom and a toilet. These were the rooms of the owners of the mansion. They are characterized by ceilings with an ornate stucco molding, frescoes, paintings, antique furniture and rich decorative objects of the 19th century.
Now the building houses the Museum of School, the archive, the library, as well as the associations Fondazione Tancredi di Barolo and Opera Pia Barolo, continuing the deed of the Marquises of Barolo. Exhibitions and various cultural events are held regularly in the palace rooms. Tourists are invited to visit the historical apartments of the Marquis and the permanent exhibition in them.
How to get there
Palace Barolo in Turin is located in the heart of the city, on Via delle Orfane, 7. Within walking distance there are many attractions: the City Tower, the Museum of Oriental Art and the magnificent Palace Saluzzo. Nearby there is a public transport stop Corte D'Appello, where tram № 4, and buses № 11, 19, 27, 51, 57, 92, N04, STAR2, W60 stop.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday and Sunday from 10:00 to 12:30, and from 15:00 to 18:30. Saturday - from 15:00 to 18:30. Monday is the day off. For groups of more than 10 people, an advance booking is required. Phone number (+39) 011 2636111.
Admission: the cost of the full ticket is 8 euro, with a discount – euro. Data of April 2018.
