Residences of the Royal House of Savoy
Turin, Piemont, Italy
25.10.2019
The Residences of the Royal House of Savoy in Turin, Piedmont, Italy
Turin, the capital of the Italian region of Piedmont, is home to a remarkable collection of palaces and residences that once belonged to the Royal House of Savoy. These properties, which were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997, are a testament to the grandeur and power of this influential dynasty.
The most prominent of these residences is the Royal Palace of Turin, also known as the Palazzo Reale. Originally built in the 16th century, this palace was the main residence of the House of Savoy for over two centuries. It was expanded and renovated over the years, resulting in a stunning blend of baroque, rococo, and neoclassical architecture. Today, visitors can explore the opulent state apartments, royal gardens, and the Royal Armory, which houses an impressive collection of arms and armor.
Another notable residence is the Palazzo Madama, a medieval castle that was transformed into a palace in the 17th century. It served as the first capital of the Kingdom of Italy and later became the seat of the Italian Senate. The palace's interior is adorned with magnificent frescoes and stuccoes, and it also houses the Museum of Ancient Art, which features an extensive collection of ancient Greek and Roman artifacts.
The Palazzo Carignano, located in the heart of Turin, is another important residence of the House of Savoy. Built in the 17th century, it was the birthplace of the first King of Italy, Victor Emmanuel II. The palace is now home to the National Museum of the Italian Risorgimento, which documents the history of the Italian unification movement.
Aside from these main residences, the UNESCO World Heritage Site also includes smaller properties, such as the Castello del Valentino and the Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi, which were used as hunting lodges and summer residences by the Royal Family.
Today, the Residences of the Royal House of Savoy in Turin are not only important historical landmarks, but they also serve as cultural institutions, hosting art exhibitions, concerts, and other events.
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When Emmanuel-Philibert, Duke of Savoy, moved his capital to Turin in 1562, he began a vast series of building projects (continued by his successors) to demonstrate the power of the ruling house. This outstanding complex of buildings, designed and embellished by the leading architects and artists of the time, radiates out into the surrounding countryside from the Royal Palace in the 'Command Area' of Turin to include many country residences and hunting lodges.
The Residences of the Royal House of Savoy are a group of buildings in Turin and the Metropolitan City of Turin, in Piedmont (northern Italy). It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list in 1997.
