Palazzo Samone in Cuneo, also known as Monte di Pietà, was built by the local architect Pio Eula. Its name is linked to Count Vittorio Bruno di Samone, first bishop of Cuneo. It was bought in 1882 by the administration of the former-Hospital of the Holy Cross who intended to use it for the offices of both Hospital and Monte di Pietà (pawnshop). Following the end of the pawnbroking activity of Monte dei Pegni, the building was abandoned. Today it belongs to the Municipality.
The building has a “C” shape and an irregular vertical development. The first floor rooms are frescoed and feature geometrical multicoloured decorations and 18th century doors. The staircase preserves old flooring in Barge stone and steps in Luserna stone. There are three main bodies: that on via Santa Croce is today a residence for university students, the second on via Amedeo Rossi is used for lodgings and the third, “noble” part between via Fratelli Vaschetto and via Amedeo Rossi with frescoed rooms and halls, now houses the offices of Settore Cultura and is used for temporary exhibitions. The layout has created two interlinked inner courtyards that are overlooked by a partially glassed loggia. The courtyard features a stone well with wooden baldachin which once provided water for the entire neighbourhood of San Francesco and the nearby Hospital of the Holy Cross.
Film Commission Torino Piemonte
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