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A wonderful example of neoclassical architecture, Rotonda di Mombrisione, in Chiusa Pesio, on top of the hill in the province of Cuneo, was built in 1840 as a hunting lodge by Giuseppe Avena, the same owner of “Regia Fabbrica dei Vetri e Cristalli”.

The building has an octagonal plan, with a single central circular hall and three smaller service areas. A staircase leads to a first terrace from which a second spiral staircase leads to the second one.

An English park surrounds it, designed by Jean Baptiste Kettmann (the creator of Turin’s Valentino park). Initially made of winding paths and woodlands, it has been dramatically remodelled over time, as per the original projects and pictures. However, several original specimens of remarkable beeches, yews and firs still grow in the park.

Today, the Rotonda belongs to the Municipality, which is funding a gradual recovery of the building and the main sections of the garden. The former is not open to the public, while the park is accessible all year round.

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)