Villa la Tesoriera

Villa La Tesoriera, located in the Parella district of Turin, is a magnificent Baroque villa built between 1713 and 1715 for the general treasurer of the Savoy State, Aymo Ferrero di Cocconato. Designed by architect Jacopo Maggi, the villa is a refined example of Baroque architecture, inspired by the style of Guarino Guarini. The villa is located within the Tesoriera Park, a vast garden open to the public, famous for hosting the oldest and most imposing plane tree in Turin. The history of the villa is rich in fascinating events. After Aymo Ferrero’s death in 1718, the property passed to various owners, including the Marquis Ghiron Roberto Asinari di San Marzano and the lawyer Bonaudi. During the French occupation of Piedmont, the villa underwent a period of decline, being used as a barracks. Later, in the 19th century, it was purchased by the Marquis Ferdinando Arborio Gattinara di Sartirana, who made numerous modifications to both the villa and the park, transforming the latter according to a pictorial taste design. In 1934, Amedeo di Savoia-Aosta purchased the villa and had the west wing built according to the design of architect Giovanni Ricci. After being sold to the Society of Jesus in 1962 and used as the headquarters of their school, the villa was purchased by the Municipality of Turin in 1971 and definitively became municipal property in 1975. Today, Villa La Tesoriera houses a music library dedicated to the musicologist Andrea Della Corte. This library is an important documentation center for scholars, students, and music enthusiasts, particularly of classical music, offering a vast collection of opera librettos, musical essays, records, CDs, and a section of manuscripts and iconographic documents. The library also preserves extensive documentation on dance and choreographic arts, integrating the collections of the Dance Center. The park surrounding the villa is an oasis of peace and natural beauty, with centuries-old trees and large meadows. The monumental plane tree, with a circumference of 660 cm, is one of the most characteristic elements of the park, attracting visitors’ attention for its grandeur and longevity. The park also houses a statue of Vittorio Emanuele II, sculpted by Ettore Ximenes, depicting the king in a scene of private life. The evolution of the villa and the park reflects the historical and social changes of Turin and Piedmont, transitioning from a noble residence to a military barracks, to a school institute, and finally becoming a place of culture and relaxation for citizens. Villa La Tesoriera and its park are now an example of how historical and natural heritage can be preserved and enhanced, offering a public space of great artistic and environmental value.