Asinari di San Marzano Palace

Palazzo Asinari di San Marzano, located at Via Maria Vittoria 4 in Turin, is a remarkable example of late 17th-century Baroque architecture. Built between 1684 and 1686 according to the design of architect Michelangelo Garove, the palace was commissioned by the Marquis Asinari di San Marzano. Garove, known for his role as engineer to the Duke of Savoy and the Prince of Carignano, created a building that embodied the sumptuousness and refinement of Piedmontese Baroque. The facade of the palace is imposing and harmonious, characterized by three floors marked by horizontal stringcourses. The windows of the main floor are topped with triangular pediments, while an elaborate balcony with wrought iron railing overlooks the entrance door, flanked by half-columns and vertical pilasters. This design gives a sense of grandeur and symmetry that attracts the attention of passersby. The entrance hall of the palace is one of the most fascinating and celebrated elements of the building. Decorated with twisted columns supporting a sail vault, the hall leads to the honor courtyard and a subsequent service courtyard. This configuration not only highlights Garove’s architectural skill, but also reflects the Marquis’s desire to create an environment that expressed power and prestige. In the 18th century, architect Benedetto Alfieri, one of the most important figures in Piedmontese architecture, was commissioned to renovate the interior of the palace. Alfieri introduced elements of great elegance, enriching the rooms with frescoes and stuccoes depicting mythological and allegorical scenes. This renovation gave the palace a more modern and fashionable appearance, in line with the artistic trends of the Rococo period. A further significant intervention took place in 1885, when architect Camillo Boggio added a neo-Baroque backdrop to the inner courtyard, replacing the garden that had been sacrificed due to the urbanization of the city. This intervention emphasizes the ongoing evolution of the palace, adapting to the needs and tastes of different historical periods. In the 20th century, Palazzo Asinari di San Marzano also became known as Palazzo Carpano, following its acquisition by Knight of Labor Silvio Turati in 1946. Turati transformed the palace into the headquarters of Carpano, the famous vermouth-producing company founded in Turin by Antonio Benedetto Carpano in 1786. This phase of the palace’s history is particularly interesting because it ties the building to one of Italy’s gastronomic excellences, vermouth, which has had a significant impact on Turin’s culture and economy. Despite the numerous transformations and changes of ownership, Palazzo Asinari di San Marzano has retained its beauty and historical charm. Today, the palace is still owned by the heirs of Silvio Turati and, although not open to the public, remains one of the most significant historical buildings in Turin. The palace is centrally located, a short distance from important landmarks such as Piazza San Carlo and the Church of San Filippo Neri, making it an integral part of Turin’s rich urban and historical fabric. Its proximity to these tourist attractions facilitates access and visibility, helping to keep alive interest in its history and architecture. A curious anecdote related to the palace concerns the entrance hall, often described as one of the most beautiful and iconic in Turin. The twisted columns and sail vault have inspired artists and architects over the centuries, becoming a reference model for Piedmontese Baroque architecture.