Have you ever imagined stepping back in time, to a period of opulence and grand living? Well, stand right here, before you, and look up at the majestic Palazzo Dal Pozzo della Cisterna, a true testament to Turin’s rich history and artistic spirit. This magnificent palace was built in 1675 for the Ripa di Giaglione family. Just three years later, the palace garden was added at the request of the Royal Mistress. However, the palace became truly known as Palazzo Dal Pozzo della Cisterna when it passed to the Dal Pozzo family in 1685. The Dal Pozzo family was well known for the beautiful artworks in their collection. They were true patrons of the arts, with their collection being visited by prominent figures from Italy and abroad. And what is more, their art collection was so well documented that many of their original paintings can still be located today in prestigious museums around the world.
After a major restoration in the late 18th century, the family used the palace as a grand home. The neoclassical style of the interior blended wonderfully with the Piedmontese Baroque exterior. However, throughout the early 1900s, the palace fell into disrepair. It is said that the high costs of the 1887 wedding of Maria Vittoria, who was part of the Dal Pozzo family, to Amedeo di Savoia, Duke of Aosta, had forced the sale of family heirlooms, leaving the palace sparsely furnished. In 1940, the Savoy-Aosta family ultimately sold the palace to the Provincial Administration. Today, Palazzo Dal Pozzo della Cisterna continues to be a symbol of Turin’s legacy, serving as the City Hall and the location of the Giuseppe Grosso library, a great resource for learning more about the Piedmont region’s history and culture. The city of Turin is forever grateful for the heritage left by the Dal Pozzo family, and you can still witness their legacy – and the palace’s history – by entering its doors today.