Palazzo Asinari di San Marzano

Did the elegant wrought-iron balcony above you catch your eye? It belongs to the Palazzo Asinari di San Marzano, a place steeped in history and architectural splendor. The Palazzo Asinari di San Marzano sits proudly on Via Maria Vittoria, a testament to Turin’s rich past. Built between 1684 and 1686, this Baroque masterpiece was designed by Michelangelo Garove for the Marquis Asinari di San Marzano. Garove, a student of the renowned Guarino Guarini, imbued the palazzo with a sense of drama and elegance. The Palazzo Asinari di San Marzano is not just a beautiful facade. Its interior boasts a breathtaking atrium, considered one of the most famous and reproduced in Turin. Picture yourself stepping into this grand space. Twisted columns rise towards a vaulted ceiling, adorned with intricate stuccowork and statues. This atrium hints at the architectural innovations within, like the double-height main salon overlooking the courtyard. In the mid-18th century, architect Benedetto Alfieri redesigned the interiors, adding another layer of sophistication. The palazzo once boasted a garden filled with exotic plants. Sadly, urban development led to its demise. In 1885, architect Camillo Boggio designed a neo-Baroque backdrop for the courtyard. Over the centuries, Palazzo Asinari di San Marzano has changed hands. From the Asinari family, it passed to the Ceriana family. In 1946, it became the property of Silvio Turati, a prominent industrialist who established the Carpano vermouth company here. The Palazzo Asinari di San Marzano thus became synonymous with the iconic Italian aperitif. Even though Carpano’s production later moved to Milan, the palazzo’s legacy remains intertwined with this beloved drink. Today, the palazzo continues to be owned by the Turati family. It stands as a symbol of Turin’s architectural prowess and its vibrant history, a place where elegance meets industry, and where the echoes of the past mingle with the present.