Founded by Giovanna Vitelli in tribute to her late father, the Foundation has begun renovating Avigliana’s oldest kindergarten.

CGI of the renovated Asilo Picco, with a view of Avigliana Castle

The Paolo Vitelli Foundation has begun transforming the historic Asilo Picco into a modern nursery for children of Azimut employees and local children in Avigliana, a town and municipality west of Turin in northwest Italy. The renovation project is scheduled to be completed by the summer, with the new-look kindergarten ready to welcome children for the school year starting in September 2025.

Giovanna Vitelli, Chair of Azimut-Benetti Group, created the Paolo Vitelli Foundation in tribute to her late father, who founded Azimut in 1969 and acquired Benetti in 1985. For over 30 years, Azimut has had roots in the Avigliana area, where it has its headquarters and one of its main production sites.

Asilo Picco – which translates as ‘Kindergarten Peak’ – was founded in 1871 and is the oldest nursery school in Avigliana. Until a few weeks ago, Asilo Picco was at risk of closing due to the decrease in enrolments and the need for major renovation work.

However, a foundation stone was recently laid to mark the beginning of the project, which will transform the nursery into a modern educational centre for children from 3 months old to six years. Financed by the Paolo Vitelli Foundation, the work is being carried out in collaboration with the kindergarten and the Municipality of Avigliana.

The project includes complete renovation of the interiors, renewal of the furnishings and restyling of the garden, which overlooks the ancient Avigliana Castle. An educational garden will allow children to get closer to nature and learn to care for the ecosystem through the practical experience of growing and caring for plants.

azimutbenetti.com