A city with an important and prestigious history, Turin offers its visitors numerous attractions. Palaces, museums, churches, castles … monuments of Turin are really so many that a few days trip will not be enough to see them all. Among the Palaces, not to be missed are Palazzo Carignano, Palazzo Reale and Palazzo Madama, architectural works among the finest examples of Baroque art.
Palazzo Carignano
Palazzo Carignano hosts the National Museum of the Italian Renaissance and was wanted by Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy-Carignano in 1679 as a palace for his family. It is characterized by an unique U-shaped plant with an elliptical tower from which origin two wings: the effect is worthy to be admired, as well as the interiors, decorated with stucco and paintings of great value, including some of Legnanino.
Palazzo Reale
Located in Piazza Castello, the Palazzo Reale in Turin was rather the symbol of the dynasty of Savoy and because of its historical and artistic importance was declared a UNESCO World Heritage .The styles that characterize it are Rococo, Baroque and Neoclassical, due to the various stages of construction, which started with the project given to Ascanio Vitozzi at the end of ‘500 and continued by many other artists, for a final result of exceptional caliber. Outside, the 107 meters long facade is impressive, with symmetrical side pavilions, and beside these, on the left stands the chapel of the Holy Shroud erected in order to preserve this important relic. The interior is gorgeous, of course, with frescoes, tapestries, porcelain, statues, paintings and furniture. Nothing is less than admirable in this building and the level of these ornaments and decorations can hardly leave you indifferent. If you visit Torino, visiting the Royal Palace is essential.
Palazzo Madama
Even Palazzo Madama is a World Heritage by UNESCO and combines in itself almost 2000 years of history. Its birth was in fact in the guise of Decumana Gate, a building with defensive functions, which over the centuries became the residence of the dukes of Savoy. In XV century two royal Madame transformed what was a simple imposing castle in a spectacular piece of art, with works of embellishment continued thereafter. The facade by Juvarro is now being restored and the building the museum contains works of art of inestimable value (in particular the art gallery and the porcelains).
These three are probably the most famous palaces of Turin, but at least another two monuments worth to be visited: The Mole Antonelliana and the Castle with Valentino Park.
The Mole Antonelliana
Probably the true symbol of the city, the Mole was begun in 1863 and completed in 1889. With many years and much controversy for its construction, the history of this monument is truly troubled: in 1904 the statue above it was destroyed by a hurricane, and in 1953 the top was destroyed by a storm and was subsequently replaced with a metal structure. Despite these misfortunes, however, the Mole is one of the most fascinating monument of the city and from its height (over 160 meters) you can have a spectacular view of Turin, thanks to the elevator that leads right up to the spire. Inside, in addition, the National Cinema Museum conserves precious testimonies of Italian cinema. The Mole is open every day except Monday, from 10 am to 8 pm (Saturdays until 11 pm). The lift and the museum are paid but worth the investment of a few dollars needed to enjoy them.
Turin Castle and Valentino Park
The most important Turin Monuments to visit bought by the Savoy family in mid-1500 and renovated in 1600 at the behest of Maria Cristina of France, who wanted a castle similar to those of the Loire. The horseshoe shape is adorned with four towers and a central marble floor. All around the castle, the Valentino Park is beloved by the townsfolk. Inside of it you can admire the faithful reconstruction of a medieval village, the Mundane Garden and the Rocky Garden, two legacies of the exposure Flor, 1961. Very nice is also the Fountain of twelve months, a rococo fountain by the Italian artist Ceppi.
If you stay in Turin for a few days, probably you will not be able to see everything this city can offer, but by visiting these monuments surely you’ll get the most from your journey.
Hi, I’m Gianni, a passionated Italian traveller. I love visiting new cities and nations. At the moment I’ve been in four continents (missing Oceania). Everytime I can, I start a new journey.
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