Little Gem No. 089 | Living fresco in the heart of Turin
2
2
1
Sleep inside a living fresco in the heart of Turin
Hidden behind an unassuming wooden door in the heart of Turin lies a secret: Palazzo Scaglia di Verrua, one of the city’s oldest and most evocative Renaissance palaces. Built in 1585 by Filiberto Scaglia di Verrua — abbot, ambassador, and minister — the palazzo has witnessed centuries of change, yet its frescoed courtyards and grand loggias remain remarkably intact. The walls still echo with the stories of noble families: the Scaglias, the San Martino della Motta, and later the Balbo Bertone di Sambuy. Today, that legacy is lovingly upheld by Elena Boggio, who lives on the upper floor and decided to open this historic home to guests.
“I simply wanted to share the magic,” she says —
The Space
Step inside and you’re transported: allegorical frescoes, Renaissance arcades, a hidden courtyard garden, and silence so deep it almost surprises you in the middle of the city. Each space has been carefully preserved, with modern comforts introduced gently, so nothing disturbs the feeling of sleeping inside a work of art. Whether you're curled up with a book in the frescoed loggia or sipping coffee on the terrace, it’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down, look up, and breathe it all in.
The Bedrooms
The guest rooms are peaceful and understated, designed with soothing colours and simple lines to let the beauty of the palazzo shine.
Double Room – A calm and cosy retreat for up to 3 guests.
Two-Bedroom Apartment – Perfect for families or longer stays, this apartment sleeps 5 and comes with two bathrooms and a private terrace.
Suite – Elegant and spacious, with two bedrooms and one bathroom, ideal for up to 4 guests.
Each room is reached via an original 16th-century staircase with gently worn steps that tell their own quiet story.
Outdoor Area
While there's no traditional garden, the internal courtyards more than make up for it — beautifully frescoed, open to the sky, and wonderfully tranquil. It's the kind of hidden oasis that makes you forget you're in the middle of a capital city. The apartment’s private terrace offers a rare outdoor moment for guests who want to dine or unwind al fresco.
Location
It’s hard to beat: Via Stampatori 4, in the pedestrian heart of the Quadrilatero Romano, surrounded by the city’s best restaurants, museums, shops, and cafés. The famous Porta Susa train station is a short walk away, and Porta Nuova just 5 minutes by taxi. From here, you can explore all of Turin on foot — or simply let the rhythm of local life unfold around you.
What Makes It So Special
This isn’t just a stay — it’s a window into Turin’s history. The feeling of walking under 500-year-old frescoes, sleeping in the former quarters of nobility, and waking to the quiet light of the Renaissance… it’s an experience few hotels can offer. Elena’s gentle hospitality and deep love for the building give it heart. You don’t just visit the city — you become part of its story.
Nearest Airport
Airport: Torino Airport (Caselle) – 30 minutes by car
Nearest Train Station
Train: Porta Susa – 10-minute walk | Porta Nuova – 5 minutes by taxi