Royal Palace of Turin

The Royal Palace of Turin is one of the most important symbols of the city, as well as a significant example of the architecture and history of the Savoy dynasty. Built in the 16th century, the palace underwent numerous modifications and expansions over the centuries, especially during the reign of Carlo Emanuele I and, subsequently, with the interventions of architects such as Ascanio Vitozzi, Amedeo di Castellamonte, and Filippo Juvarra. Originally the residence of the Bishop, it became the main seat of the Savoy when Turin was designated as the capital of the duchy. The palace has a clear Baroque imprint, with its elegant facade and sumptuous interiors. The royal apartments are decorated with frescoes, tapestries, and antique furniture, and among the most impressive rooms are the Hall of the Swiss, the Throne Room, and the Ballroom. Each room tells a part of the history of the Savoy, with allegorical paintings and decorations celebrating the virtues of the ruling family. During the reign of Carlo Alberto in the 19th century, many rooms were radically renovated under the direction of Pelagio Palagi, who introduced neoclassical elements and created the new Grand Staircase. A particularly prominent feature of the Royal Palace is the Chapel of the Holy Shroud, designed to house the famous cloth believed to have wrapped the body of Christ. This chapel, built between 1668 and 1694, is connected to the Turin Cathedral and represents a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, with its unique spiral dome. The palace also houses the Royal Library, which preserves priceless works of art, including a self-portrait by Leonardo da Vinci. The Library is a place of great interest for scholars and visitors, offering a glimpse into the culture and knowledge accumulated by the Savoy over the centuries. Another point of great interest is the Royal Armory, one of the most important collections of weapons in the world, established by Carlo Alberto in 1832. The armory displays a wide range of weapons and armor from prehistory to the 19th century, including a sword used by Napoleon Bonaparte. The Royal Gardens, located to the north and east of the palace, were designed by André Le Nôtre, the same architect of the gardens of Versailles. These gardens offer an oasis of tranquility in the heart of Turin, with their intricate designs and numerous sculptures adorning the paths. After World War II, the palace became the property of the Italian State and was transformed into a museum. Today, the Royal Palace is part of the complex of the Royal Museums of Turin, a group of museums that also includes the Sabauda Gallery, the Museum of Antiquities, and the Royal Library. This complex offers visitors a complete experience of Turin’s history and culture. The Royal Palace of Turin is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with other Savoy residences, recognized for its historical and architectural importance. Visiting the Royal Palace means immersing oneself in centuries of history, art, and culture, following in the footsteps of the dukes and kings who lived and ruled here. Among the anecdotes related to the palace, it is known that during the war, the precious collection of Maria Adriana Prolo, an archaeologist and founder of the National Cinema Museum, was hidden in the palace’s underground to protect it from bombings. This little wartime secret adds an additional layer of charm to the already rich history of the Royal Palace.