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Born in Turin in 1829, Count Carlo Ceppi graduated as a hydraulic engineer and civil architect in 1851. His early works were mainly focused on sacred architecture. Among these, the pronaos of the Consolata and several chapels within the sanctuary are noteworthy.

Later, he became interested in the rising Liberty style (Italian Art Nouveau), of which he was a precursor.

Carlo Ceppi is best known for designing the opening of via Pietro Micca; however, he also designed other major works such as the Beauregard Castle in Aosta and the Fountain of the Twelve Months in Valentino Park. He was also responsible for the design of the Stadium, the massive sports center demolished in 1946.

He died in his nineties in 1921 and is buried in the Monumental Cemetery of Turin.

Carlo Ceppi and the Palazzo Ceriana

Official site: Palazzo Ceriana

Regarding the Liberty style, Palazzo Ceriana Mayneri at Corso Stati Uniti 27 is far more interesting. Designed and built by Carlo Ceppi between 1884 and 1887 on land purchased by Count Ludovico Ceriana Maineri, it shows the first distinctive signs of Liberty art.

Originally, it also featured an ornate wrought iron gate, also created by Ceppi in 1887. Unfortunately, it was melted down during World War II to produce weaponry.

On May 18, 1957, the palace was purchased by the Circolo della Stampa, which made it its historic headquarters. Today, it houses the Subalpine Press Association and the Order of Journalists of Piedmont and Aosta Valley.

The palace hosts events and exhibitions in its rich and elegant rooms:

• Sala Toniolo: Approximately 160 square meters, it is the main room of the noble floor with frescoes and a magnificent period fireplace in decorated marble and wrought iron.
• Sala degli Specchi (Hall of Mirrors): About 70 square meters, named after the giant antique mirrors that cover the walls, creating exceptional plays of light and reflections.
• Sala Roccati: Smaller and more intimate, suitable for minor events.

Palazzo Bellia

It features many aspects that were innovative and avant-garde at the time. Palazzo Bellia, besides being one of the first examples of emerging Liberty architecture, is the first building constructed using reinforced concrete.

The building consists of wide porticos with wooden ceilings, housing commercial spaces on the ground floor. The facade facing via Pietro Micca is enriched with floral decorations, arched windows, and bay windows. Characteristic features include the four turrets, two of which are on the corner. The imposing central bay window was added later in 1909.

Palazzo Priotti

Palazzo Priotti is situated on Corso Vittorio Emanuele, a few steps from the Porta Nuova railway station. During the city’s urban renewal, the Priotti family commissioned architect Camillo Riccio to renovate a pre-existing 1861 building. However, following the architect’s sudden death in 1899, the project passed to Carlo Ceppi.

The construction, completed in 1901, shows clear signs of the nascent Liberty style. In 1913, the palace was purchased by the Frisetti family, who installed a cinema hall. It still exists today as the Cinema Ambrosio. Otherwise, the building now houses professional studios and private residences.

The facade facing Corso Vittorio Emanuele II lacks porticos, interrupting the covered walkway coming from Porta Nuova station. The bay windows and wrought iron balconies are supported by shell-shaped decorations.