Palazzo Ghilini – a building at the center of Alessandria’s institutional life

History and description

Considered one of the most imposing and significant palaces in Alessandria, Palazzo Ghilini takes its name from Marquis Tommaso Ottaviano II Ghilini, who commissioned its construction in the 18th century, entrusting the project first to Benedetto Alfieri and later to Giuseppe Caselli. Based on the Piedmontese Baroque style, the building features a main body with interiors that preserve prestigious decorative elements such as period doors, fireplaces, mirrors, Murano glass chandeliers, and, in some rooms, 18th‑century overdoors with oil paintings on canvas depicting mythological scenes. Over the course of its history, the palace changed function several times, passing into the hands of the French State and the House of Savoy, until it was purchased by the Province of Alessandria, which has since used it for its offices.

Curiosities

Palazzo Ghilini is often referred to as “the true royal palace of Alessandria” due to its architectural grandeur and the institutional role it has long played.

Access

As it serves as an administrative headquarters, the building is not always open to the public like a museum, but recent agreements have made it possible to organize free guided tours.

How to reach it

Located at Piazza della Libertà 17, in Alessandria’s historic center, the palace is easily reachable on foot from the city center.

A witness to the historical transformations of Piedmont, Palazzo Ghilini is a monument to be admired in all its beauty.

Photo credits: Dapa19 (Wikipedia) - Licensed by CC 3.0