7 Stunning Royal Palaces in Turin You Must Visit

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One of the reasons I fell in love with Turin is the city’s incredible palaces. Well, it was also because of its amazing chocolate and wine, but on the historical side, the palaces in Turin left me speechless. 

When visiting Turin, you will hear about the Savoy Family, their importance to Italy, and their stunning palaces used as royal residences or getaways. They built many properties in the Piedmont region, some are UNESCO heritage sites, and I must say, you should visit at least a couple of them.

Turin in Italy, has many beautiful palaces and most are open to visit. This photo is from Castello del Valentino in the heart of Turin.
One of the many beautiful palaces you can see in Turin, Italy.

It doesn’t matter if it’s your first time in Turin or your fourth visit, add a royal palace or residence to your itinerary, and you won’t regret it. Every time I visit a palace in Turin I learn something new about Italy’s history, culture, or food.

There are 22 Residences of the Royal House of Savoy, some are in Turin City and others in the region. The good news is that most of them are connected with public transportation making it easy to visit. 

These palaces in Turin are so unique and stunning that I visited some of them twice and they always surprise me.

So here are the 7 best royal residences and palaces in Turin you should visit. This list is based on my opinion and research about their historical and cultural significance, and how easy it is to get to them.

Said that, let’s move to a bit of history without getting bored. 

The history of the Royal House of Savoy and Turin Palaces

We need to mention the Savoys so you can understand more about the Turin palaces and their history.

The House of Savoy dynasty dates from the 11th century, when they ruled a territory between France and Italy. In 1720, the Savoys acquired the Kingdom of Sardinia which was formed by Sardinia, Sicily, and Piedmont, from that moment they became a powerful house in Italy and played a big role in Italy’s unification in the 19th century.

In 1861, Victor Emmanuel II of Savoy was crowned as the first king of Italy. The family ruled the Kingdom of Italy from its unification until the monarchy was abolished in 1946, following World War II.

During their reign, the Savoy kings were responsible for political, cultural, and architectural developments in Italy. They left behind a legacy of royal residences and palaces in Turin from where they ruled the country.

The family was overthrown in 1946, and the republic claimed the palaces for the state, which indicated the end of the Kingdom of Italy. 

Now most of the Savoy residences and palaces are open to the public for visits, some have become museums or galleries, and their gardens are used for events, parties, and even for open-air movie screenings. 

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Visiting the Royal Residences and Palaces in Turin

The palaces and residences are open to the public to visit most days and year around, but keep an eye on their website because they close once a week and have different visiting times during the winter or holiday season.

IMPORTANT: Give yourself lots of time to explore whichever palace you visit. There are usually plenty of fascinating items and rooms to admire and explore.

MONEY SAVING TIP: You may also want to buy the Torino+Piemonte Card or the Royal Pass, both offer access to the Turin royal palaces and residences. The Royal Pass also gives you access to the outer-lying residences in the region. It’s useful if you’re planning day trips outside the city. On the other hand, with the Torino+Piemonte Card, you can choose from 24-hours to 5-day city card and it will give you to royal palaces in Turin plus other attractions and museums in the city. 

Now that you know how to visit the palaces in the Piedmont region, here are the seven must-visited royal residences and palaces in Turin that are within the city limits.

Photo of the interior of the Royal Armory in Turin's Palace. It's a work of art with painted ceilings and walls.
The Royal Armory of Turin Royal Palace is stunning and a must-see.

1 – Palazzo Reale (The Royal Palace of Turin)

The Royal Palace in Turin was the Savoy’s seat of power for at least two centuries. Now, it’s a series of museums and one of the best-preserved historical royal residences in Europe.

Throughout the years the palace has undergone several additional construction projects designed by top architects of their time.  The palace’s outside architecture is not that outstanding, but its interior is unique, a superb monument to European architectural history.

Probably the most famous addition to the palace is the Chapel of the Holy Shroud, built to house the Holy Shroud of Jesus, which is still kept in Turin. Here is our Turin Shroud Facts Guide to interesting info about the Jesus Shroud, and here is an article about the Holy Shroud Location and how to visit it. 

Another world-famous part of the palace is the Royal Armory. It’s a superb collection of military weapons dating from prehistory to the 19th Century. Weapons enthusiasts will want to spend lots of time here admiring more than 5000 items. But for me, the beauty of the Royal Armory lies in its architecture, the paintings on the walls and ceiling, and how majestic it looks. 

You should consider a guided small-group tour of the palace to learn about the palace’s history and its interior.

And don’t forget to read our Royal Palace and the Royal Armory Guide before visiting it.

  • Location: Palazzo Reale – Piazzetta Reale, 1, 10122 Turin
  • Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9 AM to 7 PM. Closed on Mondays. Note that some sections of the Palace may be closed at different times.
  • Palazzo Reale’s official website
Palazzo Madama is one of the most important palaces in Turin, and by the photo, you can see a mix of architectural designs.
The palace’s faced is as incredible as its interior.

2 – Palazzo Madama

Just beside the Royal Palace of Turin is another majestic building called Palazzo Madama, one of my favorites.

You will notice that the facade at the Piazza Castello (the square with the palaces) is in a different style than the back of the building. The back of the building, with red bricks, is the remains of the city gate from Roman times. Over the years it was developed into a castle, and eventually, in the 1600s, the Savoys turned it into a residence. 

Its intended redesign was only half-finished, leaving the medieval towers intact. Because of that, it’s a masterpiece that combines Medieval, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles. You can see the differences when visiting the underground floors and the palace rooms, and going to the top of the tower to see Turin from above. 

Christine Marie of France was the first royal resident of the palace in 1637. It was also used as a high court and an art gallery. Today it houses the Museo Civico d’Arte Antica fine art museum.

 
One of Palazzo Carignano's facades you will see when visiting Turin.
Details from the intricate design of Palazzo Carignano one of the most beautiful palaces in Turin, Italy.

 3 – Palazzo Carignano

A visit to the Palazzo Carignano in Turin is a true lesson in Italian history, but not in a boring way.

The palace houses the Museum of the Risorgimento, the largest single exhibition dedicated to the unification of Italy. The events that led to the country’s unification are known as Risorgimento, hence the museum’s name.

The palace’s origins, however, are as a residence for the Prince of Carignano, in 1679. It is also the birthplace of two future Savoy monarchs: Carlo Alberto (1798) and Vittorio Emanuele II (1820). Later, it became Sardinia’s house of parliament.

The House of Parliament, called Parlamento Subalpino is another masterpiece of baroque architecture, it’s the only parliament in Europe that remained intact after the 1848 revolution.

In addition to the museum and house of parliament, you can see the Prince of Carignano’s Mezzogiorno and Mezzanotte apartments on the lower floors. The spectacular wood paneling and frescoes on display here are well worth a visit for anyone interested in baroque decor and beauty.

Don’t forget to check the two facades of the palace, they are very different from each other. You can cross through the courtyard from one side to another and I’m sure you will be impressed by its construction and details. 

FYI, Palazzo Carignano is just a few minutes away from Palazzo Madama, so you can visit both on the same day.

4 – Palazzina di caccia di Stupinigi

Stupinigi, Italy. The Palazzina di Stupinigi facade, a Royal residence since to 1946.

This beautiful palace in Turin was a hunting lodge for the Savoy family. It’s located a bit outside the city center, but you can get there using public transportation, so there is no reason to skip this visit.

It was first commissioned in 1729, as an old castle to be repurposed for royal hunting getaways, as the surrounding land was rich in game.

Palazzina di Stupinigi was also used for special events like royal weddings, making it quite a popular retreat for the Savoy family. When visiting it, look for the bronzer stag adorning the dome and the lavishly painted interiors.

The geometric gardens, the surrounding woods, and agricultural land are now part of a protected park.

Stupinigi Palace is also a museum, with different expositions on classical and contemporary art. It’s worth checking the official website before visiting and you might end up spending the whole day between elegant rooms, lush gardens, and art.

  • Location: Palazzina di caccia di Stupinigi –  Piazza Principe Amedeo 7, 10042 Nichelino, Turin
  • Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM, Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 6:30 PM. Closed on Mondays
Castello del Valentino is a small palace compared to the other, but it's beautiful and looks magical when covered in snow as in the photo.
Can you believe this castle in Turin is used as a school?

5 – Castello del Valentino

The Valentino Palace or Valentino Castle, as some people call it, was first built as a home for a princess. It is significantly smaller than other palaces in Turin, but it is nonetheless impressive in design. 

Its location is also superb: in the middle of Parco Valentino, or Valentino Park, one of Turin’s most beautiful parks facing the Po River.

The building is not technically open to the public like other residences, as it is used today as a school – the Architecture Faculty of the Polytechnic University of Turin.

There is limited access on certain days if you join the guided tour. If you are lucky, you might be able to enter the gate and admire the building from the outside. If not, it’s still worthwhile to stroll next to the river and through Valentino Park to admire it from afar and perhaps snap a few pictures.

Local tip: If you travel to Turin during winter or autumn be ready for stunning pictures. The castle covered in snow, or surrounded by yellow and reddish trees is marvelous. Here is a guide to Turin weather and the best times to visit the city. 

  • Location: Castello del Valentino – Viale Pier Andrea Mattioli 39, 10126 Turin
  • Opening Hours: Guided tours on the first, second, and third Saturdays of the month by booking only – from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM.
  • Castello del Valentino’s official website

6 – Venaria Reale

Photo of the unique ballroom at Venaria Reale in Turin. It's a baroque-style room with frescoes on the walls and ceiling.

I have visited this palace at least 3 times and can’t get enough of it. What I love about Venaria Reale is the mix of things happening here.

There is an incredible museum, you can visit the palace’s rooms, the garden is beautiful, and there is always an event, party or performance happening there, which I love to attend.

There is something special in watching a performance or dancing the night out in its gardens or inside its majestic ballroom. 

The palace’s location is also interesting, a bit away from the city centre which adds to the leisure-focused feel of the palace. But don’t worry, you can travel from Turin city center to Venarea Reale by public transportation – buses and trains. 

Originally intended as an opulent hunting base for a Duke, it was under continuous construction throughout its history.

Interestingly, it was used for military purposes until as late as 1978. I recommend a Venaria Palace Guided Tour to learn more about the palace’s fascinating history.

If you like a good party, like me, keep an eye on Club Silencio agenda, they usually throw events at Venaria Reale and other exciting venues and palaces in Turin. 

7 – Villa della Regina

Aerial shot of Villa della Regina in Turin, a palace with a vineyard.
A palace and a vineyard near Turin city center.

This royal residence is strongly associated with Anne Marie d’Orléans, the wife of Vittorio Amedeo II (Victor Amadeus), the Duke of Savoy. The name Villa della Regina translates as Villa of the Queen.

In truth, the villa passed through many owners’ hands, although most of what can be seen today is considered from Anne Marie’s time. The Villa was in a poor state of disrepair for many years until 1994, when a project to restore it was undertaken.

What makes it unique, and I love about it, is the vineyards around the palace. If you visit Turin in October you can witness the Vendemmia, the harvesting of grapes in the Villa della Regina vineyard, one of a few urban wine plantations in Europe. Undoubtedly it’s an experience like no other.

It’s located near the city center and you can easily reach it by public transportation. It’s one of the three impressive attractions on Turin’s hillside: Villa della Regina Palace, the Mont dei Capuccini, and the Superga Basilica. 

Woman walking in one of the royal rooms at Turin Royal Palace.
I look tiny close to the grandeur of the Royal Palace in Turin.

Do you want to see more royal palaces in Turin?

Architecture enthusiasts and historian buffs might be happy to know that there are more royal palaces in Turin that you can visit, but they are a bit far from the city and require more planning.

Here are the other palaces and their locations:

The places we listed here are works from outstanding architects like Ascanio Vitozzi, Benedetto Alfieri, Amedeo di Castellamonte, Guarino Guarini, and Filippo Juvarra. So if you want to learn about them and the history of the residences, book a tour via GetYourGuide or at least get an audioguide when available. 

That’s all about my favorite palaces in Turin and how you can visit them. I hope you like them as much as I do. You can find more information about visiting Turin in the links below. 

Plan your trip to Turin easily:

The Best of Turin