La Toledana

La Toledana was built in the first half of the 16th century by the noble Genoese Imperiale family; it was then acquired by the Lercari family and later to the Cambiaso family. The origin of the name Toleda comes from the fact that the towers look like two humps, which in Greek is “Tulon” (gibbous), from which came “Tuledon” later refined in Toleda and finally Toledana.

The structure is that of a country villa, but with a Renaissance harmony and elegance: the solution of the central yard just after the entrance is in fact a typical element of the town palaces, which is rarely found in the countryside.

The building is ample and linear, with two rear symmetrical towers. Until the end of the 19th century there was no second floor, which was built by the Cambiaso family together with the third floor of the towers, respecting the old original project. The left wing towards Gavi, which enjoys a beautiful view, acts as the public area of the house due to the lack of large central reception room.

On the front it is remarkable the marble coat of arms of the Cambiaso family. The chapel, on the right wing, has a baroque altar and a small bell-tower thrusting from the roof: it was once dedicated to the Virgin Mary, at present to Our Lady of Mercy.
La Toledana and the nearby Centuriona had great importance, as it is confirmed by their presence in all the geographical maps from the end of the 16th century to the 18th century.