Can you believe that this elegant villa, now the Biblioteca civica Villa Amoretti, has a history stretching back to the 18th century? It stands as one of the most representative examples of noble architecture in Turin. Imagine it. Villa Amoretti was built around 1760. Giambattista di Osasio commissioned it. He was an heir of the first Amoretti. The architect is rumored to be an apprentice of Juvarra. However, no documents confirm this.
The villa sits in the center of Rignon Park. This park was designed with the villa. It was built on the grounds of a small 17th-century farmhouse. Already in 1762, a map shows the Amoretti complex. It included the farmhouse and a villa with gardens.
In 1790, Giovanni Amedeo Grossi described the complex. He noted the square hall with paintings. He also mentioned the apartments, chapel, and a garden with citrus plants. The description paints a picture of a grand estate.
Ownership changed in 1807. Carlo d’Osasio passed it to the Guasco di Castelletto family. By 1820, the property included the villa, farmhouses, tool sheds, greenhouses, and gardens. It was owned by Paolo Luigi and Pietro Amedeo Rignon.
Around 1840, Villa Rignon, also known as L’Amoretti, was described as the most remarkable private villa near Turin. It had a French-style garden and an English-style section. It even housed a small zoo with exotic animals.
In the early 1900s, Count Rignon renovated the villa and redesigned the park. The farmhouse was replaced with stables. A semicircular orangery was added. The entrance was moved closer to the road.
During World War II, Villa Rignon was damaged by bombings. In the early 1970s, the City of Turin bought the complex. Restoration work was completed in 1976. In 1977, the Biblioteca civica Villa Amoretti opened.
The villa features a frescoed central hall. It has an arched entrance leading to a grand staircase. Four square rooms flank the hall. These are decorated with frescoes. The exterior has three distinct sections with lateral wings. A stone balustrade leads to the entrance.
The Biblioteca civica Villa Amoretti once had a small chapel. It had a star-painted vault and a wooden altar. It was accessible from both the villa and the outside. This allowed local farmers to use it.
The interior spaces are spread over two levels. A spiral stone staircase connects them. The library has 62,756 books and 6,778 audiovisual items. It also offers online catalog access and internet stations.
Restoration work between 2003 and 2007 improved the library. A new pavilion was added for reading. It connects to the villa via a glass walkway. The original decorations were restored. The orangery now houses a media library and cafe.
Today, the Biblioteca civica Villa Amoretti stands as a testament to Turin’s rich history. It is a place where the past meets the present. You can enjoy literature and community events within its historic walls.