Residences Of The Royal House Of Savoy: A UNESCO Site

One of the must see sights when you visit Turin are the UNESCO listed Savoy Residences. Situated in the centre of Turin and in the surrounding countryside, this is a collection of 22 grand buildings, many with equally ornate gardens. They are all Baroque masterpieces, and stand as a testimony to the one-time prestige and power of the House of Savoy.

What Are The Residences Of The Royal House Of Savoy?

The Residences of the Royal House of Savoy are a complex of buildings where Italy’s former royal family lived or spent their leisure time. These buildings were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 for their cultural and artistic value. They are described as outstanding examples of Baroque monumental architecture and urban planning that will testify to the power of the regents of the Savoy family for centuries to come.

Inhabited by the dukes of Savoy from 1562, the construction of the Royal Residences followed an ambitious plan. In that year, the capital of the Duchy of Savoy moved from Chambéry in France to Turin, and since that time the city has been regarded a symbol of royalty and elegance. The royal family built and renovated splendid estates in and around Turin, turning it into one of Europe’s greatest royal capitals.

Residences In Turin

Thirteen of the 22 Residences of the Royal House of Savoy are located within the city of Turin, five of them within the Palazzo Reale.

Palazzo Reale

Built in the 16^th century, the Palazzo Reale is an outstanding complex of buildings, right in the heart of Turin. It incorporates five of the Savoy Residences: the Royal Palace itself, the Palazzo Chiablese, Palazzo dell’Armeria Reale (Royal Armoury), Palazzo della Biblioteca Reale, and the Palazzo della Prefettura. Collectively these buildings house the Royal Museums of Turin.

Read more: Explore The Palazzo Reale, The Royal Palace Of Turin.

Palazzo Madama

Sitting beside the Royal Palace on Piazza Castello, Palazzo Madama was once the home of two “Royal Ladies”. The building is unique in that it has two completely different façades, one Baroque and one medieval. It was built upon Roman foundations, and you can look through the floor to see bits of Roman road, walls, and fragments of houses.

Read more: Palazzo Madama, Turin: Ancient Art And Historic Building.

Castello Del Valentino

The Castello del Valentino is located a short way from the city centre, in the Valentino Park by the banks of the River Po. Purchased by the Savoy family as a leisure retreat in 1564, it was remodelled in the 18^th century by Christine of France. It is now regarded as one of the most beautiful castles in Italy.

The Castello has served various purposes over the centuries but is now part of the Polytechnic of Turin. It offers free guided tours on Saturday mornings, but these need to be booked in advance.

Palazzo Carignano

Built towards the end of the 17^th century, the Palazzo Carignano, with its unusual curved façade, was the home of the Princes of Carignano. It was here that the first King of Italy, Victor Emmanuel II, was born in 1820.

Today the palace houses the National Museum of the Italian Risorgimento.

Villa Della Regina

Situated on a hill with stunning views of the city, and surrounded by vineyards, the 17^th century Villa della Regina was built as a summer residence. It has recently been restored, and visitors can enjoy the gardens and the small, but ornate, interior.

Other Turin Residences

The other Savoy Residences within the city of Turin are as follows

• Palazzo della Segreteria di Stato. Adjacent to the Palazzo Reale, this is occasionally open to the public for special events.
• Palazzo del Governo. Also on Piazza Castello, beside the Palazzo Madama, this is now a government building.
• Palazzo della Zecca. This is the former royal mint. It can be seen from the outside, but there is no public access.
• Palazzo dell’Accademia delle Scienze. This now houses the Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum), dedicated to Egyptian history and culture.

Savoy Residences In The Piedmont Region

Reggia Di Venaria Reale

Designed by Amedeo di Castellamonte in the late 17^th century, this spectacular palace was used by the Savoyards as a base for their hunting expeditions.

Read more – A Visit To The Spectacular Reggia Di Venaria Reale.

Castello Della Mandria

This residence has a picturesque location inside La Mandria Regional Park, the second-largest enclosed park in Europe. The palace is entirely made of terracotta so that it harmonises with the landscape.

Castello Di Rivoli

The Savoy rulers acquired this medieval castle in the 11^th century. Located in Rivoli, around 20 km to the west of Turin, it now houses a Contemporary Art Museum.

Palazzina Di Stupinigi

The Palazzina Di Stupinigi was used as a hunting lodge by the royal family. One of its most impressive rooms is the Central Hall, with its detailed frescoed vaulting and giant chandelier.

Castello Di Moncalieri

This castle dates back to 1100. It was expanded in the mid 15^th century when the wife of Duke Amadeus IX turned it into a summer residence.

Castello Di Racconigi

This wonderful castle in the province of Cuneo is characterised by a pagoda-like rooftop. It is surrounded by a landscaped park.

Castello Ducale Di Agliè

This elegant building boasts a monumental façade with a fountain and 300 rooms. It was used as a filming location for several Italian TV series, including the popular Elisa di Rivombrosa.

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Castello Di Pollenzo

Located in an ancient Roman town, the Castello di Pollenzo was built in the 12^th century. Its most notable trait is its Neo-Gothic architecture.

Castello Di Govone

Standing on top of a hill, this castle is a perfect example of the Baroque style. One of the most notable aspects of the building is the use of precious Chinese wallpapers to decorate the rooms.

How To Visit The Residences Of The Royal House Of Savoy

• The royal residences in Turin’s city centre can be easily reached on foot. The furthest away is Villa della Regina, which is only a 30 minute walk from the Mole Antonelliana.
• The other Savoy palaces are scattered around Piedmont, so renting a car is the most flexible way to explore them. However, you may be able to visit some of the estates by train.
• For expert cyclists, there is also a bike path called the “Crown of Delights”, which is 90 km long and stretches between several of the royal estates.
• Finally, if you plan on visiting the Residences Of The Royal House Of Savoy, consider purchasing a Royal Pass. This special 4 day ticket gives access to all the estates (but check opening times in advance).