Lascaris Palace, Turin
Lascaris Palace in Turin is one of the oldest noble residences of the city. Passing through the years of the richest history, the mansion lost its original appearance a little. But on the other hand it did not lost, but on the contrary, it has acquired even greater importance. Today, the Regional Council of Piedmont is sitting in a huge building.
History of the palace
Its construction began in 1663, the same year as the neighboring Palace Trucchi di Levaldigi. The project was managed by the same famous architect – Amedeo di Castellamonte. The works, commissioned by Count Giovanni Battista Beggiamo, were completed in 1665. Soon the owner died, and the mansion became the property of King Carlo Emanuele III’s favorite, who decorated the interior with paintings by famous artists. In 1720 she sold the estate to the family of Marquises Carron di San Tommaso, and it was their residence until 1803. Then the heiress of the family married the Marquis Agostino Lascaris di Ventimiglia, a representative of the oldest and wealthiest family. Since then, the palace is named after this family. Soon the mansion became the property of Gustavo Cavour, the brother of the famous Italian politician of the times of Risorgimento.
After the unification of Italy, in 1861 the palace became the residence of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, in 1872 it housed the Court of Cassation. In subsequent years, the building passed from hand to hand, undergoing significant reconstruction under the requirements of new owners. The banks and headquarters of wealthy companies were located here. In 1943, the bombing of the city damaged the palazzo. After the war and restoration, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry moved here in 1954. In 1979, the palace was used for meetings of the Regional Council of Piedmont. From 1997 to 2006, the interior was regularly restored, and in the end, restored the original interior of the 19th century.
Architecture and interior
The palace has 3 floors and is executed in the characteristic Baroque style, although over the years of restorations, it departed a little from the classical concept of this style. The atrium inside is really impressive, it has 4 levels, the ceiling is supported by white marble columns. A monumental staircase leads to the Belvedere gallery and the hall, which was the hallway in front of the rooms of the mansion. After the restoration they were decorated with silk tapestries and mirrors with gilded frames. Two rooms of the 17th century are particularly interesting, with coffered wood ceilings and walls decorated with stucco and frescoes Gesta di Sansone and Allegorie. The latter were executed by the brothers Recchi, court artists of the house of Savoy. They gave the corresponding names to these rooms. The inner courtyard of the building is small, but elegantly decorated. It has a number of porticoes and is decorated with several statues in the niches of the walls. In the middle of the yard there is a fountain with a sculpture.
Nowadays, the Palazzo regularly conducts excursions for schools, workers' associations and groups of ordinary citizens. During the visit, you can not only examine the historical halls of a noble residence, but also learn the principles of the work of the legislative assembly. For young children, excursions are conducted in an interactive game form.
How to get there
Lascaris Palace is located in the historic center of Turin, on Via Vittorio Alfieri, 15. It occupies the quarter near the Solferino Square, and one of the main forums of the city – San Carlo is situated nearby. In these old streets you can find many interesting buildings. And you can get there by tram № 4, 15, and buses № 11, 55, 57, 58, 92, S04. You need to exit at the Arcivescovado stop.
Opening hours: 14:00 every Friday, except August. Visiting is possible in groups of 15 to 30 people. Advance booking is required. The dates and the cost of the visit can be clarified by phone number (+39) 011 5757509.
