On February 10th 1679: Maria Giovanna Battista of Nemour, ruler of the Savoy Duchy, decided to transform what was known as «Hotel of Virtue» (Albergo di Virtù) in «Refuge for Catholic Converts of the Valleys» (Rifugio dei cattolizzati delle Valli). It was transformed from a charitable organization that taught poor young women a trade, into a refuge where Waldensians, if they converted to Catholicism, could get food, clothing, education and a job. The institute was active until 1746, when it moved to Pinerolo (TO) in Palazzo Vittone, headquarters of the then new «Hospice for Catechumens». According to writings of the Waldensian pastor Amedeo Bert, up until halfway through the 1800s there were two memorial plaques that referred to the original use of the building. They disappeared during a renovation of the facade over a century ago.