Buildings of historical importance
Fetta di Polenta (Torino)
Category: Buildings of historical importance
In 1840 the Società Costruttori di Vanchiglia (Vanchiglia Building Society), to which Alessandro Antonelli belonged, requested research on the urbanization of the “quartiere del moschino” (quarter of the midges, today known as Vanchiglia). It was an area at the edge of the city, considered unhealthy because it was close to the river. Antonelli, who owned a small plot of land in that area, agreed, probably for a bet, to build a house on a plot measuring 27 metres along via Giulia di Barolo by 5 metres along corso San Maurizio. On this very small trapezium the gifted father of the Mole Antonelliana built a five-storey building, making use of every millimetre available. The building is known as the “Fetta di polenta” (Slice of Polenta), and has windows and balconies on the outside and a spiral staircase on the inside. This staircase is so small that there isn’t enough space for furniture to be carried up the stairs, so much so that on the top floor a pulley has been installed. This building, which is now lived in, is one of the most eccentric buildings of the city.
Information
Via Giulia Di Barolo, 9 - 10124 Torino
