Palazzo Terzano

Situated in the historic centre of the city of Valenza, Palazzo Terzano is a 17th-century residence characterised by its distinctive “U-shaped” design. The palazzo embraces three of the city’s oldest streets: via Carducci, via IX Febbraio and via San Massimo – streets that mark the origins of a city known for its gold.

The carriage gate opens onto Via Carducci and overlooks the nearby Civic Tower, part of the San Domenico Complex, a 17th-century convent once managed by the Capuchin Friars.

The palazzo features two expansive courtyards with a central garden enclosed by an ornate wrought-iron gate at the centre. The first courtyard, adorned with a portico supported by stone columns, provides access to the main staircase leading to the ‘piano nobile’ floor and the ‘Sala del Vescovo’ or Bishop’s Hall, now used as a modern meeting room.

The second courtyard is distinguished by two centuries-old olive trees. Adjacent to these are two entrances leading to the cellars below, which have a maze of corridors and ancient wine vats. In the background, the former stables now house the guest quarters, featuring a well dating back to 1600 and brick vaulted ceilings, creating a uniquely atmospheric setting.

The history of Palazzo Terzano
In ancient times, the part of the city where the palazzo stands was known as “Sorte Monasso”, so defined by San Massimo, patron saint of Valenza and later Bishop of Pavia, during the founding of the city between the 5th and 6th centuries AD.

Built by a noble Genoese family, the property immediately adopted two distinct identities. The noble section, accessed through the main entrance, led to the ‘piano nobile’ first floor apartments overlooking Via Carducci. The second courtyard, housing the stables, servant quarters and wine cellars, was accessed through a secondary entrance on Via San Massimo.

Palazzo Terzano was purchased by Alfonso Terzano, a jeweller, in the period between the World Wars. Together with his wife Maria and daughter Claudia, he made it their primary family residence. Today, it is home to the fourth generation represented by Giulio Cirri, Claudia’s grandson.

Throughout its history, the palazzo has hosted many prominent figures. Some rooms are still named in their honour, such as the aforementioned Sala del Vescovo, and the Senator’s Apartment. San Giovanni Bosco stayed there for several days in 1870 when overseeing the establishment of the Salesian houses in Mirabello and Borgo San Martino, and he frequently visited these Salesian communities in subsequent years.

During World War II, small classical music concerts for harp, piano and cello were held in the Sala Azzurra or Blue Room. Claudia Terzano, a pianist, entertained guests from the cultural, ecclesiastical and military worlds. Among her closest friends were the submarine commander Mario Borra, who later tragically died with his crew during a sea battle, and the cellist Nini Gervino, a great artist and avid cigar smoker, known for her distinctively deep voice.

Stories that took place in the cellars during the war are still told today. Many local families sought refuge in the cellars during the bombings of the nearby Iron Bridge separating Piedmont from Lombardy. With just a few wardrobes full of blankets and some supplies to comfort them, they relied on the palazzo’s numerous escape routes that the cellars offered in case of misadventure.

Immediately after the war, the palazzo housed several jewellery factories that later gained international prominence. Even today, many now elderly entrepreneurs still visit to reminisce about the years when they built their success stories within these walls.

Facilities and services at Palazzo Terzano
Palazzo Terzano hosts corporate, institutional and private events. Our bespoke approach enables event planning which is tailor-made to the unique preferences of each client, including aperitifs, apericenas and dinners served in the internal courtyards. External catering services are available, and events can be customised with options such as show cooking, DJs and entertainment as required.

Training courses, gatherings and corporate meetings are accommodated in our meeting room which can hold up to 20 people and is equipped with a multimedia system, air conditioning and a coffee break area. Lunch breaks are arranged according to client requests. It is possible to organise photo shoots for car presentations, fashion or jewellery events. Visits are arranged individually based on demand.

Additional services
Internet: Wi-Fi is available in the meeting room.
Accessibility: The palazzo is accessible to disabled persons. A dedicated bathroom is available in the meeting room at the portico level.
Garden: The garden is open for visits and features relaxation areas.
There are no fixed days or scheduled dates.

Places of interest in the vicinity and sporting activities
Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore (17th century)
Museum of Goldsmith Art
Teatro Sociale, a small theatre from the mid-19th century
Monumental Complex of Bosco Marengo with the annexed Vasarian Museum
Nearby cities: Turin, Genoa, Milan (1 hour by car); Pavia (50 minutes)
Nearby golf courses, paddle, and tennis courts.