Palazzo Terzano

via Giosuè Carducci, 3 - 15048 Valenza (AL)
Tel. +39 (0131) 941.251
Tel. +39 338 7348.952
E-mail: info@studiocirri.com
E-mail: palazzoterzano@gmail.com
Website: palazzoterzano.it/

Palazzo Terzano is located in the historic center of Valenza. This seventeenth-century residence features a particular U-shaped structure which embraces three of the oldest streets of the town: Via Carducci, Via IX Febbraio and Via San Massimo, which saw the birth of the gold town. The vehicle entrance faces onto Via Carducci and the Civic Tower which is part of the S. Domenico Complex, a seventeenth-century convent which was managed by the Capuchin Friars.
The building comprises two large courtyards with a spacious garden at the center surrounded by an old wrought-iron fence.

The first courtyard, characterized by a portico supported by stone columns, gives access to the staircase of the main floor and to the Bishop's Room, which is now a modern meeting room.
The second courtyard features two century-old Olive trees. Next to the trees are the entrances which lead to the cellars below composed of a maze of galleries and ancient wine jars. In the background, the former stables are now home to the Forestiera, embellished by a well dating to the 1600s and artistic brick vaults, particularly full of atmospheres that evoke unique emotions.
The background to both courtyards is the "Secret Garden". Century-old plants and an ancient wisteria frame a relaxation area dedicated to reading or private meetings.

The History:
In ancient times, the area where the palazzo was built was called "Sorte Monasso", named this way by Saint Massimo, patron saint of Valenza then Bishop of Pavia, during the foundation of the town between the 5th and 6th century A.D.
Built by a noble Genoese family, it was born with two
souls.
The noble one, with access from the main gate on the first
courtyard,
from where you could climb to the apartments of the first floor facing
onto Via Carducci. The second courtyard, home of the stables, the servants' lodgings and the cellars in which the large wine jars are found, was accessed from a second vehicle entrance on Via San Massimo.
Palazzo Terzano was purchased by Alfonso Terzano in the 1930s. Jeweler, founder of the Associazione Orafa Valenzana (A.O.V.), Alfonso immediately fell in love with this large house. With his wife Maria and daughter Claudia he made it his family home. Today, almost a century later, the fourth generation is represented by Claudia's grandson Giulio Cirri, who was born in 2000.
Over the centuries, the building has hosted many important
guests.
Some of the rooms are dedicated to them, such as the Bishop's Room or the Senator's Apartment.
San Giovanni Bosco stayed here several times when he was overseeing the procedures for the opening of the Salesian Homes in Mirabello and Borgo San Martino (1870); he visited these Salesian communities many times in the following years. This presence can be felt to this day in the indoor atmosphere.

During the Second World War and in the years that followed, the Sala Azzurra hosted small music concerts for harp, piano, and cello. Claudia Terzano was a pianist, and her guests were leading figures in the cultural, ecclesiastical and military world. A literary and music circle in which to share experiences and the brutality of the war period. With a deep-seated determination, they planned the post-war
recovery.
Stories of men and women who continue to speak to our
guests.
The wartime stories that took place in the cellars still spark engagement and emotions. Many families from the surrounding areas asked Alfonso Terzano for shelter during the bombings on the nearby Ponte di Ferro which separates Piedmont from Lombardy. A few wardrobes with blankets and some degree of comfort to overcome fear and trust in the many escape routes which the cellars of the building made available in the event of collapse.
In the immediate postwar period, the building hosted the birth of several jewelry factories which gained international importance.
The descendants of those elderly entrepreneurs visit us to this day and remind us of those years in which their parents began to build their success thanks to the kind hospitality offered by Alfonso Terzano.

The garden is open to visitors and features relaxation areas for use during events.

The activities of Palazzo Terzano are managed by Studio Cirri, a professional studio specialized in Corporate Communications and Public Relations.