Royal Palace of Turin: learn about the history, tickets and must-see tours

History of the Royal Palace of Turin

The Royal Palace of Turin is one of the most important Savoy residences in Piedmont, located in the center of the city, in the Piazzetta Reale adjacent to Piazza Castello. In 1563, Duke Emanuele Filiberto moved the capital of the Savoy dukedom to Turin, settling the court in the old bishop's palace. Then, in 1584, Charles Emmanuel I commissioned the architect Ascanio Vitozzi to build a new palace.

After 1643, the direction of the work passed to Amedeo di Castellamonte and then to Carlo Morello. The palace became the center of the Savoy court and a symbol of dynastic power for at least three centuries. With the transfer of the capital from Chambéry to Turin, the palace was constantly updated and adapted to the taste and needs of the ruling dynasty. Today, the Royal Palace is famous for its magnificently decorated halls, including the Ballroom and the Throne Room. Visitors can also explore the Royal Gardens and other historic structures connected to the complex.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Royal Palace of Turin

How long does it take to visit the Royal Palace of Turin?
A visit to the Royal Palace of Turin takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the main halls and the Royal Armory. For a full tour of the Royal Museums, including the Galleria Sabauda and the Museum of Antiquities, you should plan for about 4 hours.

Who lived in the Royal Palace of Turin?
The Royal Palace of Turin was the official residence of the House of Savoy for three centuries, housing dukes, kings, and queens, including Emanuele Filiberto, Carlo Emanuele I, and Vittorio Amedeo II. After the Unification of Italy, the royal family moved to Florence, and the palace lost its role as the primary royal residence.

What’s Inside the Royal Palace?
The Royal Palace of Turin is the centerpiece of the Royal Museums, a cultural complex housing treasures of immense historical and artistic value. The Royal Apartments feature opulent halls adorned with intricately carved ceilings and grand allegorical paintings by Jan Miel and Charles Dauphin, celebrating the virtues of the sovereign. The Royal Armory showcases one of the most spectacular collections of ancient weapons and armor in the world, while the Chapel of the Holy Shroud, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, was designed to house the Sacred Shroud.

The Galleria Sabauda boasts an extraordinary collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, offering a journey through artistic evolution from the Middle Ages to the 18th century. The Museum of Antiquities, one of the oldest in Europe, holds invaluable archaeological artifacts, preserving the ancient history of the Piedmont region.

How to Access the Royal Gardens in Turin?
The Royal Gardens of Turin are a lush green oasis of remarkable historical and environmental significance, located in the heart of the city. Access is free, with the main entrance at Piazzetta Reale 1, adjacent to the Royal Palace. For those using public transportation, the Garibaldi and Castello stops are just a short walk away.