Lascaris Palace

Palazzo Lascaris, located in via Alfieri in Turin, is a historically significant building, built between 1663 and 1665 according to the design of Amedeo di Castellamonte and commissioned by Count Giovanni Battista Beggiamo di Sant’Albano e Cervere. The building is an extraordinary example of Baroque architecture, characterized by a sober yet imposing facade that reflects the elegance and grandeur of the period. Initially owned by the Beggiamo family, the palace later passed to the Marquise de Marolles di Caluso and subsequently to the Carron di San Tommaso family. In the second half of the 18th century, architect Francesco Valeriano Dellala di Beinasco oversaw a significant renovation and expansion of the building, enriching it with additional Baroque details. In 1803, the palace came into the possession of the Lascaris family, from whom it took its current name. During the period when the Lascaris family lived in the palace, the building maintained its function as a noble residence, hosting numerous distinguished guests and becoming a center of Turin’s social life. In 1919, wealthy financier Riccardo Gualino purchased the palace and established his headquarters there, as well as hosting the headquarters of SNIA and other related companies. Under Gualino’s ownership, the palace was a hub of economic and cultural activities, but suffered serious damage during World War II due to bombing that destroyed part of Stefano Maria Legnani’s frescoes. After the war, the palace became the headquarters of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Crafts and Agriculture of Turin, maintaining this function until 1975 when it passed to the Piedmont Region, which transformed it into the seat of the Regional Council. The restoration of the palace was completed in 1979, with the inauguration of the Regional Council Chamber in the underground level. The palace features a complex architectural structure, the result of numerous modifications and renovations over the centuries. The interiors are enriched with decorative elements of great value, such as stuccoes, frescoes, and historical furnishings, which testify to the building’s noble past. The facade, although renovated several times, retains its original Baroque elegance, with sober and proportionate lines. One of the most interesting anecdotes related to Palazzo Lascaris concerns the period of Riccardo Gualino’s ownership. It is said that Gualino, known for his patronage and interest in art, used the palace not only as the headquarters of his business activities, but also as a place for cultural and artistic meetings, hosting prominent figures from the cultural scene of the time. The palace, now the seat of the Piedmont Regional Council, continues to play an important role in the political and institutional life of the region. In addition to hosting Council sessions, the building is also a representation venue, used for events, exhibitions, and conferences that promote the culture and history of Piedmont. The Piedmont Region, aware of the historical and cultural value of the palace, has promoted various restoration and enhancement interventions over time, in order to preserve this important heritage and make it accessible to the public. Among the initiatives are guided tours that allow citizens and tourists to explore the rooms and halls of the palace, accompanied by experts who illustrate the architectural and historical characteristics of the building.