From agricultural farmhouse to aristocratic residence.
In Turin, as in the whole of Piedmont, the scenery is enriched by splendid castles and noble properties that make it a unique and precious place. In addition to the most famous manors located in the city and just outside such as Il Valentino or Castello di Rivoli, there are others that are less well known, but of considerable beauty and historical importance. One of these is the Saffarone Castle which over time has changed its appearance, going from an agricultural estate to an elegant and elegant residence, and which despite its shy and withdrawn appearance romantically contributes to enhancing the architectural heritage of the Turin area.
Having belonged to the Dal Pozzo della Cisterna princes, holders of public offices and ecclesiastical benefits, the Saffarone Castle in the past was part of the property, within the estate of the same name, together with the farmhouses of Cravetta, Cassinotta and Artrucco. Inherited by Baron Giovanni Piero Saffarone in 1865, to which it owes its name, is composed of four turrets and a central body, two internal courtyards and a beautiful park. The first trace that leads back to the existence of the Saffarone family dates back to 1580 and leads back to “Messer Marco Zaffarone” who appeared to be the owner of the complex located between Turin, Grugliasco and Collegno consisting of two buildings and a dovecote tower, an agricultural farmhouse with an adjoining house manor house within a rural setting made of pastures, woods and cultivated fields. In the 1600s the rural farmhouse began its transformation into a residence with decorations, a chapel, an enclosure wall and several stables, the first version of a castle with a rustic flavor with features that were beginning to soften. The real transformation occurred, however, when the property passed, in 1729, to Anna Maria Litta, married to Giacomo Dal Pozzo Cisterna, who wanted to convert it into an elegant residence with an excellent agricultural estate to show off the rank and riches of the house; it seems that the restoration work was entrusted to Benedetto Alfieri (Vittorio’s cousin), one of the greatest architects of the time. The period of splendor ended in 1833 with the end of the Dal Pozzo Cisterna lineage and the manor went first to the Marquis Della Torre and then to the Valperga di Masino who repurposed almost all of it for agricultural activities.
Even today you can admire the oval hall with its domed ceiling (which is used as a private property, for events such as weddings and conferences) the decorations and the antique furniture.
Located in Via Regina Margherita 497, its presence in the city is very reserved, almost hidden, but its charm is indisputable in the eyes of those who can admire it by participating in private events organized within it.
MARIA LA BARBERA
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