Carignano Palace

Palazzo Carignano, located in the heart of Turin, is an architectural masterpiece of Piedmontese Baroque, designed by the architect Guarino Guarini. Built between 1679 and 1684, the palace was commissioned by Emanuele Filiberto di Savoia-Carignano as a residence for his family. Its undulating red brick facade and innovative use of interior spaces represent a significant evolution from the architectural standards of the time. Palazzo Carignano is famous not only for its architecture, but also for its crucial role in Italian history. In 1820, Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of Italy, was born there. Furthermore, the palace was the seat of the Subalpine Parliament and, subsequently, of the first Parliament of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861. This makes Palazzo Carignano not only an architectural gem, but also a symbol of the Italian Risorgimento. Guarini’s design for Palazzo Carignano is extraordinary for its concave and convex facade, a radical approach that breaks with the architectural traditions of the time. The main entrance leads to a large elliptical vestibule, from which two grand staircases lead to the upper floors. This design creates a sense of movement and fluidity that was revolutionary for the time and influenced many other architectural projects in Europe, especially in southern Germany. Inside, the rooms are decorated with elaborate stuccoes and frescoes that reflect the wealth and power of the Savoia-Carignano family. One of the most famous rooms is the Parliament Hall, where important debates and decisions were held that led to Italian unification. Today, the palace houses the National Museum of Italian Unification, which preserves documents, memorabilia, and artworks related to the unification period. An interesting anecdote concerns the rear facade of the palace, which was only completed in the 19th century by Carlo di Castellamonte in neoclassical style, creating a fascinating contrast with the original Baroque facade. This intervention symbolizes the continuous evolution of the palace through the centuries, adapting to historical and stylistic changes.