Cisterna Palace

Palazzo Cisterna, also known as Palazzo dal Pozzo della Cisterna, is one of the architectural gems of Turin, located at via Maria Vittoria 12. Built starting from 1675 at the request of the Ripa di Giaglione family, the initial project is attributed to architects Antonio Maurizio Valperga or his brother Andrea. Subsequently, the palace became the property of the Dal Pozzo della Cisterna princes, who commissioned a significant renovation between 1773 and 1787, entrusted to architect Francesco Valeriano Dellala di Beinasco. This intervention gave the palace the baroque appearance that still characterizes it today, with a redesigned facade and interiors enriched by works of renowned artists of the time. An important event in the history of the palace was the marriage of Maria Vittoria dal Pozzo della Cisterna to Amedeo di Savoia, Duke of Aosta, son of Vittorio Emanuele II, which took place in 1867. This marriage marked the entry of the palace into the Savoy sphere, bringing further modifications and embellishments. The interiors were decorated by artists such as Francesco Gonin and Domenico Ferri, who contributed to making the palace a place of great elegance and prestige. In 1940, the palace was purchased by the Province of Turin, which entrusted architect Giovanni Chevalley with a significant renovation, completed in 1945. Since then, Palazzo Cisterna has become the seat of the Province of Turin, and later of the Metropolitan City of Turin. This change of ownership has allowed the palace to be preserved and adapted to new public functions, while maintaining intact the historical and artistic elements that make it unique. Visiting Palazzo Cisterna means immersing oneself in an environment rich in history and art. Among its most fascinating spaces is the Scalone d’Onore, a majestic staircase that represents one of the most impressive architectural elements of the palace. The Quadreria, the Sala dei Tondi De Ferrari, the Sala Giunta, and the Studio del Duca, now the office of the President of the Metropolitan City, are just some of the rooms that preserve original furnishings and decorations of great artistic value. The palace garden, dating back to 1673, has undergone various transformations over the centuries, yet maintaining its historical charm. The current layout, with the central elliptical flowerbed and fountain, dates back to 1859 and represents an example of an Italian garden, with geometric flowerbeds divided by pathways. An interesting detail concerns the wartime events that involved the palace during World War II. Despite the damage suffered, subsequent restoration efforts allowed for the recovery of much of the original decorations and furnishings, restoring the palace to its ancient beauty. One of the most fascinating anecdotes related to the palace is the patronage of Riccardo Gualino, the financier who purchased it in 1919. Gualino, known for his love of art and culture, used the palace not only as the headquarters of his business activities but also as a meeting place for artists and intellectuals of the time. This period of cultural fervor has left an indelible mark on the history of the palace.