STOP 4

Gazelli di Rossana Palace
50, Via Q. Sella

The ancient dwelling of the Ponte family and the connecting tower were purchased by the Counts Cotti di Ceres at the end of the 1600s. In 1726 the building underwent radical modernization probably on a design by Benedetto Alfieri. The entrance hall is in distinct "Alfierian" style, embellished by rococo stucco work. Also thought to be Alfierian, the fine stone balustrade of the staircase, and by their proportions, the portal and the divided tympanum. The palace passed to the Gazelli di Rossana family, of Ligurian origin, following the marriage in 1841 of Francesca Cotti di Ceres to Count Callisto Gazelli.

Ponte di Lombriasco Tower l

The stronghold of the Ponte di Lombriasco family (Gothic architecture of the 13th - 14th century) was completely renovated in the 18th century, but this imposing tower remains, which conserves the ancient characteristics of its military function (minimum width loop-holes) barely refined by the decorations of vitrified bricks.

Stronghold of the Roeros of Cortanze
Via S. Martino/Via Q. Sella

The whole series of blocks flanking nearby Via Roero belonged to the powerful Roero family, in its various noble branches. This building (13th century) bears the typical decorations in vitrified brick. The mullioned windows differ from similar windows in the civil architecture of the following century in their reduced dimensions and being less monumental. The Roeros were bankers in the estates of the Savoy family, from whom they received many investitures.