Residences of the Royal House of Savoy

When the House of Savoy moved its capital to Torino in 1562 they began to build a ruling seat for themselves and their court that was befitting their status and would demonstrate their power. The palaces, villas and hunting lodges would be designed by the best architects of the time and richly adorned by the leading artists of the area. The monumental edifices are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Savoy dynasty dates back to about 1000 AD in France, and then expanded their domain to northwest Italy and Sardinia. The annexations of the Risorgimento period led to the overthrow of the Bourbons in the south and the unification of Italy into one state, ruled by the Savoy until the monarchy was abolished in 1946.

The castles, palaces and country villas are spread over a large territory around Piemonte, though the most important in terms of Savoy rule are in the center of Turin. The Palazzo Reale is located next to the cathedral in the heart of the city, where the Prince could monitor the gateways to Torino. The royal residence is also referred to as the Palazzo Ducale, and is home to the museum that demonstrates the decor and grandeur of a royal palace, including the halls, opulent apartments, and great kitchens that prepared banquet feasts for regal events.

Palazzo Madama, in the Piazza Castello, was built where an ancient Roman gateway stood. The Savoy restored the towers and converted the space into a castle that was later expanded into a palace and used as guest quarters. It is home to the Civi Museum of Ancient Art. The Palazzo Carignano has a split personality, with a Baroque curvy brick facade on the front and a white marble face on the rear. The interior is lavishly gilded and was home to the country's first parliament. It houses the museum dedicated to the Risorgimento (the movement that led to the unification of Italy).

The Castello del Valentino is distinctly French in style and rests on the banks of the Po River. Its grounds are the largest park in the city. The Renaissance style Villa della Regina was damaged in World War II but is open and is an oft-overlooked gem with a lovely garden, nice views of the city, and the royal vineyards that produce the only wine in the city of Torino. Palazzo di Venaria is a true royal palace and one of the more "touristy", with gondola rides, a little motorized train, and a cafe, but it has grand galleries, beautiful artwork, and magnificent gardens. It hosts special events, as well. The most opulent perhaps is Palazzina Stupinigi, which was -oddly enough-built as a hunting lodge, as evidenced by the giant bronze stag on the roof. The gorgeous palace boasts an oval center hall with four wings radiating off it, impressive Venetian decor, and manicured grounds. It was the favored locale for royal weddings.