"Rangone dello Spianamento" Palace

THE "SPIANAMENTO"

The San Sebastiano estate, known as “Spianamento”, was originally located on various hills. The entire area was leveled starting from 1796 in three years by 60 men in order to build a wide entrance avenue and a vast park in the part at the back. The construction of the palace dates back to before 1600, but there are no exact data on its construction. In the mid-1600s it was used as a convent of the Augustinian Fathers isolated from the town. It was later purchased by Mr. Filippo Buriano, a rich landowner from Diano who in 1669 also purchased the Feudo di Montelupo. He later acquired the noble title of Count from the Rangone family of Modena.

Having no direct descendants, he left all the properties to his sister Cecilia, married to Theobaldo Zocca. Subsequently, the property passed to Carlo Filippo Zocca, the first effective Count of Rangone, with the obligation to abandon the surname Zocca and to become know as Count Carlo Filippo of Rangone.

ARCHITECT CARLO FRANCESCO RANGONE

The architect Carlo Francesco Rangone is the most famous nobleman of the family, who designed many churches in the Langhe, including San Lorenzo di Rodello, San Frontiniano di Sinio, S.S. Cosmas and Damian of Alba. He was also the director of works in the construction of the grandiose church of San Giovanni Battista in Diano, adapting a project by a disciple of Juvarra.

COUNT CARLO EMANUELE RANGONE

Count Carlo Emanuele Rangone has been a valid commander of a company in the battle against Napoleon's invasion. Defeated, he retreats to the Palace of Diano and orders a major renovation and excavation works that give birth to the what is now known as "Lo Spianamento" ("The Leveling").

He had no direct heirs and the property passes to a nephew from his wife Angelica Genesio. The last of their heirs is Dr. Maria Barbara Cardone, known as Babetta, who donated a good part of the prestigious building to the town. The remaining part, which was owned by another branch of the family, was purchased by the Municipality.

We know about Babetta's great human qualities as she lived a life constantly aimed towards the poor and the marginalized. She donated this estate for social purposes and to promote the area. An exemplary life - even in death.

- To find out more watch this video by Mario Proglio