Palazzo Gavigliani, in the historic center of Alexandria, is an 18th-century palace, which for more than two centuries was home to Alexandria’s noble families such as the Colli di Felizzano, the Gavigliani, and the Baudi di Vesme, the last heir family and home of the Casino Society. Overlooking Via Mazzini, it has a cohort and a 1,000-square-meter garden, the only palace with these features in the city center, a grand staircase, columns, frescoes, stuccoes, and wide ornate or coffered ceilings that tell the ancient history that took place in the spacious halls, once also the scene of the debutante ball.

RE-INHABITING THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY

THE GENESIS OF A PROJECT FOR A HOME ON THE MAIN FLOOR OF A PATRICIAN MANSION IN THE CENTER OF ALESSANDRIA

The history of the restoration of the vaults

Palazzo Gavigliani, in the historic center of Alexandria, is an 18th-century palace, which for more than two centuries was home to Alexandria’s noble families such as the Colli di Felizzano, the Gavigliani, and the Baudi di Vesme, the last heir family and home of the Casino Society.

An 18th-century jewel, a legacy to be cherished

Overlooking Via Mazzini, it has a cohort and a 1,000-square-meter garden, the only palace with these features in the city center, a grand staircase, columns, frescoes, stuccoes, and wide ornate or coffered ceilings that tell the ancient history that took place in the spacious halls, once also the scene of the debutante ball.

The Vaults, as they were before

I am aware of the value of the historical and cultural heritage of this building, and in the restoration project I deliberately sought to safeguard details of its history, while transforming the spaces in light of all the amenities that make them functional to the living needs of contemporary life.

Restoration of the Vaults

The frescoed vaulting of the Hall of Honor was the subject of a meticulous and lengthy conservation restoration, carried out by restorer Ina Rutskaya in over … months of work that brought to light multiple decorative layers superimposed over time and corner cracks that required sensitive consolidation work. Masterfully restored, the parts where recovery was possible bear witness to this long history and life of the Palace, and I am sure they will dialogue virtuously with the modern furnishings we will include.

An ex novo intervention for the bathroom

I also chose to have an ex novo decorative intervention made on the vault of a small square space, using the same technique as the fresco and a discreet, luminous, pastel-colored decoration that integrates well with the overall spirit of the project, in a sophisticated dialogue between ancient and modern.

Progetto: Arch. Cristina Colla e Arch. Mario Guano

Restauro delle Volte: Inna Rutiskaya

Foto & Video: Lorenzo Morandi – yourstory

Cristina Colla Atelier