OPERA PIA PACCHIOTTI AND THE SCHOOLS OF BORGATA SALA
During the 19th century, the Pacchiotti family from Borgata Sala emerged as one of the most influential and wealthy families in Giaveno. Leading the family was Giovanni Pacchiotti, who was said to observe his workers from the tower of his family residence, today’s kindergarten, to ensure that his extensive properties scattered throughout the city were adequately cared for.
His brothers, including Giacinto Pacchiotti, a priest, held prestigious roles in the community. Giacinto served as a canon of the Collegiate Church and President of the Congregation of Charity and the Hospital. Upon his death, he left an incredible inheritance, equivalent to 2 million Lire of the time, corresponding to over 9.5 million euros today (2023), entirely destined for charitable works.
This substantial wealth was bequeathed to many worthy institutions, including the Elementary Schools of Giaveno, the Consolata Nursery, the Archbishop’s Seminary, the Parish of Sala, and the Professional Institute Casa di Carità. In the Pacchiotti residence, the Giacinto Pacchiotti kindergarten was established, entrusted to the care of the nuns of Cottolengo of Turin. In the adjacent building, the elementary school of the hamlet was established and later named after the late President of the Republic, Sandro Pertini.
Today, the Giacinto Pacchiotti kindergarten continues to fulfill its important mission thanks to the precious commitment of the teachers, cooks, and its director, Antonella Marchese. The generosity and altruistic vision of the Pacchiotti family have left an indelible mark on the social and educational city of Giaveno, offering a better future to successive generations.
