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Exploring the Royal Palace of Turin | Collections, History & More

The Royal Palace of Turin, built in the 16th century, is a historic palace in Turin, Italy, housing the Palazzo Chiablese and the Chapel of the Holy Shroud. After World War II, it became a museum and wa...

Also Known As

Royal Palace of Turin

Founded On

1946

Founded By

Filippo Juvarra

About

Quick information

ADDRESS

Piazzetta Reale, 1, 10122 Torino TO, Italy

RECOMMENDED DURATION

2 hours

Timings

9am–7pm

VISITORS PER YEAR

100000

TICKETS

From € 15

NUMBER OF ENTRANCES

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD

30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

UNESCO YEAR

1997

Plan your visit

Did you know?

The Royal Palace of Turin was once the primary residence of the Royal Savoy family, serving as their home from their time as dukes to their reign as kings, until their exile in 1946.

The palace houses several notable features, including the Scala delle Forbici, a staircase designed by Filippo Juvarra, and the Chapel of the Holy Shroud, constructed to enshrine the famous Shroud of Turin.

The royal gates of the palace bear a golden Medusa symbol, intended to deter intruders.

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1 hr. 30 min.

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What is the Royal Palace of Turin?

The Royal Palace of Turin is a prominent landmark in the city, known for its massive and aesthetic architecture as well as its vast collection of artworks from the Savoy Dynasty. In the 17th century, it was renovated from a Bishop's residence to a lavish palace with breathtaking halls and highly decorated interiors after it was made a residence of the rulers of Savoy. The palace boasts an impressive collection of art, including works by some of the most renowned artists of the Renaissance and Baroque periods that are open for view. Explore the opulent apartments of the royal family, admire the grand throne room, and stroll through the beautiful gardens on a memorable visit to this grand palace cum museum.

Royal Palace of Turin | Quick Facts

Also Known As: Palazzo Reale Torino, Musei Reali
Location: Piazzetta Reale, 1, 10122 Torino TO, Italy
Constructed/Renovated: 1645
Architect: Several, including Ascanio Vitozzi and Filippo Juvarra
Architectural Style: Baroque
Entrances: Two entrances at the Piazzetta Reale, and Piazza S. Giovanni.
Collection size: 8000 artworks, 200,000 archives, 50,000 archaeological artifacts

Why Visit the Royal Palace of Turin in Turin?

There are several reasons why one might visit the numerous attractions at the Royal Palace of Turin.

Rich history: The Royal Palace of Turin served as the residence of the Savoy dynasty, one of the most powerful ruling families in Italy. Visitors can explore this former royal residence, and learn about the political, cultural, and social significance of the palace and the Savoy nobility.
Magnificent architecture: The palace is an excellent example of Baroque architecture, with its grand facade, ornate interiors, and beautiful frescoes painted by some of the most renowned artists of the time.
Impressive art collection or decorations: The Royal Palace of Turin boasts a vast collection of art that includes works by great artists and craftsmen, as well as a renowned archaeological section as well.
Beautiful gardens: The palace has beautiful gardens that are perfect for a leisurely stroll. The gardens are designed in the French style, with manicured lawns, fountains, and sculptures.
Cultural events and exhibitions: The Royal Palace of Turin hosts various cultural events and exhibitions that you can attend.

Plan Your Visit to the Royal Palace of Turin

Where is the Royal Palace of Turin Located?

What are the Opening Hours of the Royal Palace of Turin?

Address: Piazzetta Reale, 1, 10122 Torino TO, Italy

Find On Map

The Royal Palace of Turin is located in the Metropolitan City of Turin. It can be found in the Piazzetta Reale which is close to Piazza Castello and Piazza San Giovanni

Nearest Train Station: Porta Nuova (1.2km)

What are the Opening Hours of the Royal Palace of Turin?

Tuesday to Sunday: 9 AM to 7 PM

Last Entry: 6 PM

Closed: Mondays and 3 May

History of the Royal Palace of Turin in a Nutshell

The palace was constructed by Emmanuel Philibert Savoy under the architect Ascanio Vitozzi and served as a residence for the bishop in the new capital of Savoy, Turin. After being captured by the French in 1536, the palace became the residence of the French Viceroys of Savoy appointed by the king of France, Francis I. Emmanuel Philibert, the Duke of Savoy, was a connoisseur of the arts and later filled the palace with an enormous collection of art and exquisite furniture. It was redesignated to be a future residence for members of the Savoy family by Christina Marie of France and massive renovations were made to the palace with the help of architect Filippo Juvarra. The Chapel of the Holy Shroud, which contains the revered Shroud of Turin, was added to the palace as an adjoining building in 1694. In 1946, the ownership of the palace was transferred to the Italian Republic and turned into a museum dedicated to the history and work of the House of Savoy.

Explore the Halls of the Royal Palace of Turin

There is much ground to cover at the Royal Palace of Turin. Palace consists of royal rooms and several other adjoining museums, galleries, and gardens that form the Muesi Reali or Royal Museums of Turin. When you tour the venue, make sure you visit these places.

The Royal Palace

As you enter the palace, you will notice that it is built in the Baroque style, a form of architecture with loud and elaborate elements designed to astound visitors. Ascend its staircases and visit its ornately decorated royal apartments and halls. The 19th-century Ballroom, the Throne Room, and the Sala del Caffe, or the coffee room are some must-see spots in the royal palace. Most rooms contain valuable paintings, dazzling low-hanging chandeliers, frescoes, and intricate gold gilded moldings on the ceilings. Rooms are filled with plush furniture and valuable artifacts such as porcelains, crystals, and timepieces scattered across the room.

Chapel of the Holy Shroud

Near the entrance to the palace is the Chapel of the Holy Shroud, an adjoining building that holds the Shroud of Turin, a sacred relic believed to be the veil with which Jesus Christ was buried. The chapel is a circular enclosure capped with a towering dome. The chapel features large lunettes or semi-circles at the base of the dome with oculus-like windows in the middle of each. The upper dome consists of six levels of crisis crossing arches that lead to the glowing lantern at the very top. In the center of the chapel is a beautiful altar made of black marble. Positioned in the center of the altar is the Shroud of Turin encased in a glass container with a golden grate.

The Royal Armory

At the end of the right wing of the palace is a long narrow hall filled with armored cavalrymen and an arsenal of melee weapons. Welcome to the Royal Armory. It was founded by King Charles Albert with the object of displaying the rich martial history of the region and surrounding areas over millennia. He initially vested his own collection of weaponry from Turin and Genoa's arsenal in the armory. It later came to include prehistoric and medieval objects, as well as armaments used by the Dukes of Savoy and the various sections of their army. It also contains rare weapons that were transferred as diplomatic gifts. The sword of San Maurizio, a 16th-century pistol of the emperor Charles V and Girolamo Martinengo's breastplate dating from 1540 are a few of the armory's most treasured possessions.

Museum of Antiquities

The collection of archaeological artifacts began with deliberate campaigns by Emanuele Filiberto and his son Carlo Emanuele I between the 16th and 17th centuries to create a central location of ancient artifacts of Turin and historically significant regions. The museum is divided into three sections - the Archaeological Gallery, the Archeology section, and the Pavilion of the Piedmontese. The gallery will lead you down a hallway full of statues, busts, and remnants of ancient structures from the Piedmont area, Turin, the Mediterranean, and the Near East. As part of the museum, you will also find a large study hall dedicated to research and documentation with a restoration laboratory and a photographic cabinet.

The Royal Library

The Royal Library is next up. It is a quaint-looking hall that was established in 1842 by Charles Albert of the House of Savoy. Lining the walls are segmented wooden shelves enclosed with glass. Behind them lie a collection of 200,000 volumes of books, documents, periodicals, pamphlets, architectural drawings, and illuminated manuscripts belonging to the House of Savoy. The library was built in order to boost the cultural standing of the nation, as a part of a number of reforms and the creation of institutions. The self-portrait of Leonardo da Vinci and his Codex of the Flight of Birds are some of the most esteemed documents in its archive.

Sabauda Art Gallery

The Sabauda Art Gallery, initially called the Regia Pinacoteca, was also founded by Charles Albert in 1832. Its repository of works began to grow through acquisitions of art collections from various well-to-do people and industrialists. The gallery holds over 500 artworks by Italian and European artists and follows a chronological order, displaying work from the 14th century onwards up to the 20th century. It features famous paintings from artists such as Beato Angelico, Filippino Lippi, Paolo Veronese, and Sandro Botticelli. The collection's most notable work is perhaps the portrait of Venus by Botticelli.

The Royal Garden

End your tour by visiting the expansive gardens surrounding the Royal Palace. With abundant space, sprawling nature, and aesthetic fountains and statues, the Royal Gardens is the best place at the Musei Reali for much-needed rest and relaxation. The Royal Garden consists of the Ducal Garden in the north, the Eastern Garden and the Cavallerizza Garden to the east, and the Boschetto with the Low Gardens in the northeastern part of the area. One can find a number of native and exotic tree and plant species here that add to the lush greeny of this public space. Make sure to see the 18th-century fountain established by Simone Martinez and a contemporary art installation by Giulio Paolini while you're there.

Collection at the Royal Palace of Turin

The collections at the Royal Palace museums are diverse, ranging from medieval weaponry to archeological artifacts and masterful paintings. You'd strain yourself trying to view in detail each piece in its immense collection. Instead, here are a couple of artworks and artifacts at the museum you don't want to leave without seeing.

Venus by Botticelli

Sword of San Maurizio

The King's Throne

Christ's Passion by Hans Memling

Self Portrait - Leonardo da Vinci

Marengo Treasure

Ceiling Fresco by Somasso Pietro

Oliphant (Hunting Horn)

Nativity of Santa Maria - Illuminated Manuscript

Frequently Asked Questions About the Royal Palace of Turin

What is the Royal Palace of Turin?

The Royal Palace of Turin is a historical palace in Turin, Italy, that was once the residence of the Rulers of Savoy. It is now a complex of museums that contains artworks and artifacts collected by members of the Savoy through the centuries.

Do I need tickets to enter the Royal Palace of Turin?

Yes, tickets are required to enter the Royal Palace of Turin.

Where can I buy tickets for the Royal Palace of Turin?

Tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket office of the Royal Palace of Turin.

Why is the Royal Palace of Turin important?

It has historical and cultural significance as a former royal residence of the members of the Savoy Dynasty who ruled in the Piedmont region for centuries.

When was the Royal Palace of Turin built?

The construction began in the 16th century and continued over several centuries.

Where is the Royal Palace of Turin located?

The Royal Palace of Turin is located in the Piazzetta Reale of Turin, Italy.

What can I see inside the Royal Palace of Turin?

Visitors can see glorious historic apartments and royal halls inside the palace. The palace cum museum also holds a collection of rare paintings, archaeological artifacts, and medieval weaponry.

What are the timings for the Royal Palace of Turin?

The Royal Palace of Turin is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 AM to 7 PM and remains closed on Mondays.

When is the Royal Palace of Turin closed?

The Royal Palace of Turin is closed on Mondays and some public holidays.