Saluzzo di Paesana Palace

The Palazzo Saluzzo di Paesana, located in the heart of Turin, represents one of the most magnificent examples of Baroque architecture of the 18th century. Built between 1715 and 1722 at the behest of Marquis Baldassarre Saluzzo di Paesana, the project was entrusted to the architect Gian Giacomo Plantery. This imposing and complex building stands out for its innovative structure and avant-garde architectural solutions for the time. The palace occupies an entire block between Via della Consolata and Via del Carmine and was conceived not only as a noble residence, but also as a mixed-use building, with representative apartments on the noble floor, housing for the bourgeoisie on the upper floors, and accommodations for the less affluent classes in the mezzanines and attics. This social stratification reflects the changing conditions of Piedmont, on the verge of entering the Enlightenment era, and makes the Palazzo Saluzzo di Paesana a unique example of social integration in residential architecture. The main facade of the palace, sober and majestic, overlooks Via della Consolata. The entrance is dominated by an imposing door that leads to a monumental atrium, decorated with stuccoes and frescoes, which represents the beating heart of the building. Here, tall columns support the “planterian” vaults, a structural innovation introduced by Plantery and used for covering stairs, atriums, loggias, and galleries. These vaults became a distinctive element of Piedmontese architecture in the 18th century and were adopted in numerous other palaces in the region. The internal courtyard, of great scenic impact, is surrounded by two symmetrical loggias on two floors, each with three lower and three upper arches. This space, designed to create a wide and fascinating perspective, was reserved for the passage of carriages and visitors heading to the parties held in the palace’s halls. Initially, the palace had two main entrances, one on Via della Consolata and the other on Via Bligny. However, over time, the entrance on Via Bligny was closed and transformed into a theater, the Teatro Guglielmone, which later became the Teatro d’Angennes. The interiors of the palace are equally spectacular. The noble floor, intended for representative apartments, still retains significant 18th-century decorations. Among these, the frescoes by the Savonese painter Domenico Guidobono and the stuccoes by the Luganese Pietro Somasso stand out, authors also of the decorations in the rooms of Duchess Maria Giovanna Battista di Savoia Nemours at Palazzo Madama. These richly decorated rooms testify to the splendor and magnificence of the Saluzzo di Paesana family. Despite the financial difficulties that affected the family after the death of Baldassarre Saluzzo in 1736, the palace maintained its aura of grandeur and prestige. The marquis’s heirs had to face huge debts, but managed to keep the structure of the palace intact, which became a symbol of the family’s power and influence. Today, the Palazzo Saluzzo di Paesana is an important cultural center, hosting exhibitions, events, and guided tours, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the history and beauty of this extraordinary building. The palace is also known for its innovative solutions in terms of space distribution. Plantery designed differentiated paths to reach the apartments on the upper floors, ensuring privacy and confidentiality for the inhabitants. The stairs, in particular, are a masterpiece of engineering and design. The southern sleeve staircase, for example, features a double ramp leading to three landings at different heights, an innovation that demonstrates the architect’s skill and ingenuity. In addition to its architectural importance, the Palazzo Saluzzo di Paesana has been the scene of numerous historical and social events. Its halls have hosted parties and receptions, attracting the Turin elite and contributing to creating an atmosphere of luxury and worldliness. The palace has also been the venue for important cultural activities, including art and photography exhibitions, concerts, and conferences, which have attracted thousands of visitors over the years.