Restoration of Palazzo Biamino and Bonetti in Vercelli – “Piazza Cavour 10” and “Torre dell’Angelo” Condominiums
Year: 2012-2013
Location: Vercelli
Palazzo Biamino and Bonetti, located in the historic heart of Vercelli, is a rare example of architectural beauty. Adjacent to the majestic Torre dell’Angelo, this building tells centuries of history through its terracotta decorations, 16th-century graffiti, and elegant 19th-century facade overlooking Piazza Cavour.
The restoration project, launched in 2012, preserved the historical and cultural value of the palace with meticulous attention to conserving its original features and enhancing its spaces.
OBIETTIVI DEL PROGETTO
• Preserve historical decorations, recovering original elements such as graffiti and terracotta cornices.
• Requalify spaces, by eliminating incongruent interventions and improving the building’s aesthetic and functional aspects.
• Ensure structural safety, cby consolidating load-bearing elements and addressing issues caused by degradation.
FACADE ON PIAZZA CAVOUR
• Cleaning and consolidation of 19th-century plaster, revealing decorative details.
• Recovery of terracotta cornices, integrating missing parts, and applying protective treatments.
• Integration of missing decorations using lime-based techniques and mineral pigments.
• Chromatic harmonization to restore the visual harmony of the facade.
FACADE ON VIA GIOBERTI
• Removal of incongruous plaster to reveal underlying 15th-century graffiti.
• Integration and chromatic harmonization to provide a complete reading of the historical surfaces.
The bas-reliefs and decorative terracotta details have been cleaned and consolidated, revealing the original color. Thanks to a protective treatment, the surfaces are now ready to withstand the test of time.
• Restoration of the roof, recovering original tiles and consolidating the wooden structure.
• Insulation and waterproofing to prevent infiltration and enhance attic functionality.
Stratigraphic investigations revealed hidden treasures beneath modern plaster:
• 19th-century Neo-Gothic revival decorations on the facade of Piazza Cavour.
• Artistically significant 15th-century graffiti on the facade of Via Gioberti.
These elements, now restored and highlighted, enrich the historical narrative of the building and the urban context of Vercelli.
A RESTORATION FOR THE FUTURE
Thanks to advanced restoration techniques and compatible materials, Palazzo Biamino and Bonetti has been reestablished as a prized element in the city’s heart. The combination of structural, aesthetic, and functional interventions ensures durable conservation and renewed usability for residents and the community through scheduled maintenance.
Palazzo Biamino and Bonetti is not just a building: it is a bridge between past and present, an example of how historical architecture can harmonize with contemporary needs.
