Il primo Ampliamento barocco Torino

The second phase of the southern expansion coincided with the construction of Piazza San Carlo in 1644, following the abattimento of the old walls. There are two favourable conditions for realising the wishes of representation and aulicità: availability of land owned by the state and the period of greater socio-economic prosperity encourage interest in new buildings. The land is given to nobles and notables, provided that the fronts of the new buildings follow the design defined by the ducal architect, Carlo di Castellamonte. The square is thus destined to residences of the highest level, in stark contrast with the simple construction that characterizes the new district, intended for traders and tenants.