Palazzo Chiablese

Palazzo Chiablese is one of the most significant historical buildings in Turin, located next to the Royal Palace in Piazza San Giovanni. Its history dates back to the 16th century, when Emanuele Filiberto di Savoia commissioned its construction on pre-existing residential nuclei. Initially belonging to the marchesa Beatrice Langosco di Stroppiana, the palace then passed to various members of the Savoy royal family. In the 18th century, Benedetto Alfieri, one of the most illustrious Piedmontese architects, was commissioned for an important renovation that gave the palace the architectural unity we admire today. This restoration gave the palace a new life, harmoniously integrating the existing structures with the new baroque design, typical of Alfieri’s style, characterized by elegant lines and refined details. Palazzo Chiablese played a significant role in Savoy and Italian history. It was the residence of the Duke of Chiablese, Benedetto Maurizio, son of Carlo Emanuele III, who gave the palace its name. During the French occupation, the palace hosted Camillo Borghese and his wife Paolina Bonaparte. After the Restoration, the palace returned to the Savoys and became the residence of Carlo Felice, who died there in 1831, and later of the Duke of Genoa, Ferdinando di Savoia. During World War II, the palace suffered serious damage due to bombings that destroyed the roof and part of the floors. Many furnishings were lost, including a precious double-body desk by the cabinetmaker Pietro Piffetti, later recovered by the carabinieri of the Cultural Heritage Protection Unit of Turin in 2018. Despite the damage, the palace has been restored and is now in good condition. Today, Palazzo Chiablese houses the offices of the Regional Secretariat of Piedmont and various Superintendencies of Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape. Since 1997, it has been part of the serial site “Residences of the Royal House of Savoy” included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The palace also hosts temporary exhibitions organized by the Royal Museums of Turin, further enriching its cultural offerings. The palace preserves numerous historical rooms open to the public, thanks to the volunteers of the Italian Touring Club. Among these, the Hall of the Swiss Guards, the Bodyguards’ Room, the Valets à Pieds Room, the Wardrobe, the Parade Room, the Dining Room, the Cignaroli Gallery, and the Tapestry Room. These rooms, richly decorated with frescoes and period furnishings, offer a glimpse into court life and Savoy elegance. The Hall of the Swiss Guards, named in honor of the Swiss guards who protected the royal family, is one of the most striking rooms in the palace, with its imposing chandelier and rococo-style decorations. The Bodyguards’ Room, with its painted overdoors by Gregorio Guglielmi and Francesco De Mura, showcases the refined taste and attention to detail typical of the baroque period. The Cignaroli Gallery is another gem of the palace, adorned with paintings by Angelo Maria Crivelli, Angelo Cignaroli, Beaumont, Marghinotti, and Tallone. This gallery was used for the internal walks of the nobility and to display the family collection of artworks. The Tapestry Room, with its 17th-century French tapestries depicting the story of Artemisia, adds a touch of grandeur and sophistication to the palace interiors. An interesting anecdote concerns the Marchesa Beatrice Langosco di Stroppiana, who received the palace as a gift from Emanuele Filiberto, her lover. This detail adds a touch of intrigue and romance to the palace’s history, emphasizing the complex political and personal dynamics of the Savoy nobility. The palace is also known for its painted overdoors, created by artists such as Gregorio Guglielmi, Francesco De Mura, and Michele Rapous, depicting allegorical and mythological scenes. These artistic details further enrich the palace interiors, making it a perfect example of Piedmontese baroque art and architecture.