The Royal Palace in Turin
In 1861, Turin became the first capital of a united Italy and the Royal Palace of Turin became the first Royal Palace of a united Italy.
It all started in the mid-16th century, when the Duke of Savoy, Emanuele Filberto, decided to move the capital of his dynasty from the city of Chambery (now in France) to Turin, so that the capital would be distant from the border with France, with which they were constantly in conflict.
Focused on the fortification and defense of the city, the Duke of Savoy established his residence in the city center, at the former bishop's palace. The facade of the residence remained in a rather ascetic style, which subsequently influenced the appearance of the historical center of the city; for centuries noble families were forbidden to surpass the Royal (initially Ducal) Palace in decorativeness and beauty. Therefore local Baroque architects of Turin mainly focused in the courtyards of the mansions of wealthy families.
Over time, the palace expanded and it eventually became a large complex including apartments and a representative area with the Royal Library, the Guest's Palace and the Royal Opera House.
Each new ruler added his own milestone to the history of the palace's transformation.
Today, the Royal Palace looks the same as it did in the 19th century, in the era of Carlo Alberto, the King of Sardinia and father of the first king of a united Italy. The first king himself, Victorio Emanule II, also ruled Italy from this palace for the first time, but after a few years he moved to Rome together with the entire court. Rome became the definitive capital of Italy after its unification.
Most of the Royal Palace complex is accessible to visitors.
There are apartments, divided into male and female halves, a beautiful Armoury, the Chapel of the Holy Shroud of Turin and an art gallery.
The complex includes the Royal Kitchens, the Royal Library, which houses a self-portrait of Leonardo Da Vinci, and an archaeological museum. You can stroll through the Royal Gardens, in the project of which the famous French landscape architect Andre Le Notre, who also designed the gardens of the Palace of Versailles, took part.
And you can relax and drink coffee at the Royal Café, transformed from being a warehouse of the royal kitchenware into a museum with display cases containing dishes from the Royal Court.
For a tour of the palace complex, contact your Turin guide Ludmila.
