Project: Palace Restoration 

Location: Castegnato

Geographic coordinate:  45.5633° N, 10.1152° E

Year: 2014- In Process

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Studio:  Arch. Gian Franco Cominelli

Role: Architect Designer

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ABSTRACT

 

This project entails the philological restoration and adaptive reuse of Palazzo De Leone, a 15th-century aristocratic residence located in Castegnato, within the province of Brescia. The building is protected by the Fine Arts Authority (Soprintendenza Archeologia, Belle Arti e Paesaggio) due to its exceptional architectural and historical significance.

Situated at the gateway to the Franciacorta wine region and in close proximity to the city of Brescia, the palazzo is strategically positioned to be reconceived as an exclusive luxury residential destination, combining heritage preservation with contemporary living standards.

The restoration places particular emphasis on the conservation and valorization of the interior fresco cycles, which will be meticulously recovered and restored to their original chromatic and figurative integrity through scientific diagnostic analysis and specialist intervention.

Beyond its architectural merit, Palazzo De Leone holds profound historical importance. During the Italian Risorgimento, it served as the headquarters and residence of King Vittorio Emanuele II from June 14 to June 17, 1859, during the Battle of Solferino—a pivotal event in the unification of Italy. This historic stratification adds a layer of national commemorative value to the property, elevating the responsibility and cultural relevance of the intervention.

The project reconciles heritage conservation with modern luxury, integrating state-of-the-art building systems, energy performance upgrades, and accessibility standards—while ensuring full reversibility and respect for original materials, construction techniques, and spatial configurations.

Palazzo De Leone is thus not merely restored, but reinterpreted as a living testimony to Italian history, poised to resume its role as a place of residence, memory, and cultural identity for the 21st century.