Residences of the Royal House of Savoy in Piedmont
All you need to know for your visit to the different palaces
In the Piedmont region, in and around the city of Turin, you’ll find an impressive collection of royal castles, residences, and palaces once home to the Royal House of Savoy.
Since 1997, 22 of these architectural marvels have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Here’s everything you need to know for visiting the nine Savoy Family Residences scattered across Piedmont—excluding the 11 located within Turin’s city limits.
Residences of the Royal House of Savoy in Piedmont – Overview
The royal residences of the House of Savoy make up a network of castles and palaces built in Piedmont between the 16th and 19th centuries, serving as homes for the ruling Savoy family.
These grand structures were designed for various purposes: summer retreats for leisure, hunting lodges for ceremonies and celebrations, and spaces for royal entertainment.
In 1997, UNESCO added the Savoy residences in Piedmont to its list of World Heritage Sites. A total of 22 palaces and villas were recognized, all built from 1562 onward for the Dukes of Savoy in and around Turin.
Thirteen of these properties are located in Turin, the “center of power,” while the remaining nine are arranged in a radial pattern around the city.
The castles and residences were built or restored by some of the most famous architects of their time, including Amedeo di Castellamonte, Filippo Juvarra, and Michelangelo Garove.
Unfortunately, not all Savoy castles and residences from this era have survived, and several of the existing complexes are not open to the public.
Here’s your guide to visiting the Savoy royal residences in Piedmont, focusing on the ones outside of Turin.
1. Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi / Hunting Castle Stupinigi
Overview of Stupinigi Palace
In 1729, Duke Victor Amadeus II desired a modern hunting lodge near Turin, prompting his court architect, Filippo Juvarra, to begin construction.
Within just five years, the central part of what is now Stupinigi Palace was completed in the former royal hunting grounds.
Not long after, Duke Charles Emmanuel III, the new owner, found the modest “Palazzina” too small. He commissioned the addition of side wings and honor courtyards, transforming the site into a kind of Savoyard Versailles.
A large bronze stag perched on the roof dome has become a signature feature of the palace, visible from afar.
The original sculpture, however, is displayed inside the building and can be seen during a visit. The statue on the roof is a replica.
Once completed, this elegant and grand residence hosted royal celebrations, weddings, and, of course, hunting events for the House of Savoy.
In the early 19th century, Napoleon chose the palace as one of his residences. By the early 20th century, Queen Margherita had also lived there. Since 1919, the palace has been home to the Museum of Furniture.
A portion of the palace was restored and has been open to the public since 2011. Visitors can now explore the rich history and beauty of this historic Savoy residence.
What to See at Stupinigi Palace
Stupinigi Palace is one of Europe’s most extraordinary 18th-century architectural complexes.
Inside, you can explore the Queen’s Apartments, the King’s Apartments, and the suites of the Dukes of Chiablese.
These rooms feature original furniture, paintings, and exquisite masterpieces of fine woodworking, offering a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the Savoy court.
Currently, only one wing of the palace has been restored and is open to the public. Additionally, the palace grounds and park are not accessible for visitors.
Good to know: When strolling through the palace, you can use a free app at 26 different point along the tour to get additional information.
Location, getting there and parking at Stupinigi Castle
The beautiful Stupinigi hunting lodge is located around ten kilometers southwest of Turin, in the municipality of Nichelino.
There is free parking to the right and left of Viale Torinio, which runs straight towards the castle entrance.
Opening Hours & Admission Fee
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 5:30 pm / Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays from 10 am to 6:30 pm / Closed on Mondays
Admission Fee: €12.00 per person (palace only). The park is not open to visitors. Free admission for Torino Piemonte Card holders.
Guided Tours: Guided tours of the hunting lodge are available exclusively in Italian
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2. Castello di Pollenzo / Pollenzo Castle
Overview of Pollenzo Castle
Following centuries of conflicts throughout the 12th and 13th centuries between major communities in southern Piedmont – which resulted in the destruction of 5th-century fortifications – Pollenzo eventually became the fiefdom of Viscount Antonio Porro.
In 1386, Porro commissioned the construction of the castle, which soon became an important feudal residence for the Marquises of Romagnano.
Beginning in the latter half of the 16th century, renovations were undertaken to align the castle’s style with that of other regional residences.
In 1832, King Charles Albert of Savoy purchased Pollenzo Castle and its surrounding lands. He transformed the estate into a model farm, experimenting with new techniques for grain and wine production and livestock breeding.
Significant changes were made to the property, including the rerouting of the Tanaro River, the construction of 14 farmsteads, the Agenzia (an administrative building), a tower, and the neo-Gothic church of San Vittore.
After suffering decades of neglect due to world wars and the flood of 1994, restoration efforts began in 2000 to revive the Agenzia di Pollenzo complex. The site was repurposed into a hub for food culture and wine excellence.
Since 2004, the Agenzia has been home to the world’s first University of Gastronomic Sciences (in partnership with the famous Slow Food movement and the Piedmont Region), a stunning four-star hotel – Albergo dell’Agenzia – with a garden restaurant, and a historical wine cellar.
What to See at Pollenzo Castle
The castle cannot be visited from the inside. However, guests of the Hotel Albergo dell’Agenzia can take a stroll through the 2-hectare castle park. The historic wine cellars in the Banca del Vino can be visited free of charge.
Location, getting there and parking at Pollenzo Castle
Pollenzo Castle is located in Pollenzo, a district of the town of Bra, 65 km south of Turin. There is a large, free parking lot on Via Luigi Einaudi, just a few meters from the historic complex.
Opening Hours & Admission Fee
The castle itself is not open to the public. However, you can walk through the small park in front of the castle and get a nice impression of the estate from there.
3. Reggia di Venaria Reale / Venaria Reale Palace
Overview of Venaria Reale Palace
The palace of Venaria Reale is the second largest castle in Italy, making it the largest of the residences of the royal house of Savoy in Piedmont.
The complex includes the impressive hunting lodge and the 60-hectare castle park. The grounds also include the historic village (borgo), which was once built for the castle’s servants, and the 3000ha Parco della Mandria.
In the mid-17th century, Duke Carlo Emanuele II of Savoy decided to have a new hunting and pleasure palace built to complete the “ring of residences” around Turin.
From 1699, the architect Michelangelo Garove rebuilt the entire Venaria complex, built by the court architect Amedeo di Castellamonte, and the palace and gardens took on their current impressive appearance.
After the Napoleonic occupation and the military use of the complex during the two world wars, the castle was stripped of all usable building materials.
Between 1999 and 2007, the cultural project La Venaria Reale, the largest of its kind in Europe, restored it so that it can be visited today.
Castello della Mandria / Mandria Castle
The Mandria Castle is located right next to the huge Venaria Reale castle grounds and is therefore often included when speaking about Venaria Reale as a whole.
This beautiful little castle has been used exclusively for the private use of Victor Emmanuel II of Savoy since 1859.
Over 20 royal apartments, which are open to visitors, are still full of precious objects from ancient Savoy collections.
Good to know: As the two palaces are so close to each other, it makes sense to visit them in one day. As they are completely different, inside and out, it doesn’t get boring.
What to See at Venaria Reale Palace
If you want to see everything (includine La Mandria Castle), it is best to plan a whole day for the entire site. The most beautiful and impressive rooms in the castle are the Hall of Diana (Sala di Diana) and the 80-metre-long Grand Gallery (Galleria Grande).
The Parco della Mandria used to be the royal hunting grounds and is now a fenced-in nature reserve and animal park.
My Tip: As the grounds are large and the history of the castle and the Savoy family is not easy, it is worth taking a guided tour of the Venaria Reale. Let a local guide from Turin show you around the impressive grounds in a small group tour. ⇨ Book here your guided small group tour
Location, getting there and parking at Venaria Reale
The impressive hunting and pleasure palace Venaria Reale is located 10 km north of Turin. The main parking lots are the Castellamonte parking lot (park A) and the Carlo Emanule II parking lot (park B), at the southern entrance.
For the castle La Mandria use this different parking lot Park La Mandria. ⇨ overview of the different parking lots.
Opening hours & Admission fee
Opening hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday, with different opening times depending on which part of the complex you wish to visit (castle, exhibitions and gardens), the season and the type of visit. ⇨ Opening hours of the Venaria Reale
Admission fee: € 22.00 per person for a visit to the entire complex. Free admission for holders of the Torino Piemonte Card.
Money Saving Tip
Consider buying the Torino Piemonte Card if you want to visit the Venaria Reale. With an entrance fee of € 22.00 per person, the card is well worth it if you want to visit other places of interest in Turin or in the Piedmont region.
⇨ Details about the Torino Piemonte Card
4. Castello di Rivoli / Rivoli Castle
Overview of Rivoli Castle
Rivoli Castle stands on the strategically important Via di Francia, the road linking Turin to France, at the entrance to the Val di Susa.
In 1247, Rivoli Castle, which was built on the foundations of ancient buildings, passed from the ownership of the Bishops of Turin to the Savoy family.
At the end of the 17th century, it was destroyed by French troops and redesigned by the architect Michelangelo Garove, then by Filippo Juvarra.
Today, the castle complex consists of two buildings: the current castle in its 18th century appearance and the Manica Lunga opposite, which was built in the 17th century and designed as an art gallery for Duke Carlo Emanuele I.
After 5 centuries, in 1883, the castle passed from the House of Savoy to the town of Rivoli for the sum of 100,000 lire, from where it was leased to the army. During the Second World War, it was used to house displaced persons.
Today, the baroque castle complex houses an important museum of contemporary art, which is financed by the Piedmont region, the city of Turin and private sponsors.
What to See in Rivoli Castle
The Castello di Rivoli is now home to a museum and exhibition space for contemporary art, the Museo d’Arte Contemporeana.
The museum has put together an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art since the 1960s.
Four to five temporary exhibitions are held each year. The museum also organizes guided tours, lecture series, film programmes, symposia and an educational programme.
Location, access and parking at Rivoli Castle
The Castello di Rivoli is located about 15 km west of Turin. The Rivoli Castle grounds can only be visited with a ticket for the Art Museum.
There is a very large free car park on Viale Papa Giovanni XXIII, not far from the entrance to the castle.
Opening hours & admission fee
Opening hours: Thursday – Sunday from 11am – 7pm
Admission fee: € 10.00 per person / free admission for holders of the Torino Piemonte Card
5. Castello Ducale di Agliè / Agliè Castle
Overview of Agliè Castle
The original core of the San Martino family castle dates back to the 12th century. In 1763, the castle was bought by the Savoy family and transformed into a summer residence according to plans by Ignazio Birago.
During the Napoleonic occupation in the early 19th century, the Castello ducale di Agliè was converted into a hospice and the surrounding park was sold to private parties and used for agricultural purposes.
It returned to royal ownership in 1823. In 1939, the state bought the castle, which was used as a museum, from the royal family.
What to See in Agliè Castle
Surrounded by a 320,000 m² park with ancient trees and huge greenhouses, the castle has 300 rooms.
These include antique furniture and a valuable and varied collection ranging from paintings to archaeological finds.
A highlight of the museum visit and the heart of the residence is the Hall of Honor, which used to be the ballroom of the Castello ducale di Agliè.
Location, getting there and parking at Agliè Castle
Agliè Castle is located 34 km north of Turin, in the village of Agliè. There are a few free parking spaces around Piazza Castello and a large free parking lot in Piazzale Filippo San Martino d’Agliè.
Opening hours & Admission fee
Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday from 9 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm, at weekends from 9 am to 7 pm. Reservations are required to visit the castle.
Admission fee: € 8.00 per person (castle only) / € 12.00 per person (castle, park & garden) / free admission for holders of the Torino Piemonte Card
6. Castello di Moncalieri / Moncalieri
Overview of Moncalieri Castle
Around the year 1200, Thomas I of Savoy built a massive fortress on the hill that dominates the river Po at this point in order to control the Via di Asti, the southern access to Turin.
During the second half of the 15th century, under the reign of Amedeo IX of Savoy, the primitive building was extended to make it a ducal residence.
The current layout of the Castello di Moncalieri dates back to the 17th century, when Vittorio Amedeo II made numerous structural alterations to his favorite residence.
Moncalieri was the first castle to be occupied by the French during their advance into Piedmont in 1798.
The castle was used as barracks, a military hospital and a prison, while the beautiful castle park was turned into a cemetery. During the Second World War, the castle was occupied by Nazi-fascists, partisans and finally by the evacuees.
What to See in Moncalieri Castle
Since 2017, the royal palace, which is once again open to the public, has been used partly as the regimental headquarters of the Carabinieri and partly as a permanent exhibition in honor of Princess Maria Letizia Bonaparte.
The apartments of the princesses Maria Letizia and Maria Clotilde, the royal chapel and the apartment of Vittorio Emanuele II can be visited.
Location, getting there and parking at Moncalieri Castle
The Royal Castle of Moncalieri stands on a hill in the historic centre of Moncalieri, a few kilometres south of Turin. Near Moncalieri Castle, there is only paid parking available within the city.
The free car park Parcheggio dietro il Castello is just a few minutes’ walk from the castle.
Opening hours & Admission fee
Opening hours: Friday to Sunday and on public holidays from 10 am to 6 pm
Limited access for max. 8 people per hour, as part of a guided tour. Reservation is required.
Admission fee: € 7.00 per person
7. Castello Reale di Racconigi / Racconigi Castle
Overview of Racconigi Castle
Between 1676 and 1684, construction of the huge castle began as a residence for the princes of Carignano, a side line of the Savoy royal family.
The estate later passed to the Marquises of Saluzzo and then to the Savoys. The original fortifications with corner towers were rebuilt in the 17th century.
The garden was added in 1670 when the castle was elevated to a residence. Further renovations followed and it was not until Carlo Alberto, Prince of Carignano, ascended the throne that the residence took on its current appearance.
With the transfer of the capital from Turin to Florence and then to Rome, the royal family gradually lost interest in Racconigi Castle.
At the beginning of the 20th century, when King Vittorio Emanuele III once again chose it as a vacation destination for the summer and autumn months, a few historically important events followed.
These include the birth of the last Italian king, Umberto II, in 1904 and the visit of Tsar Nicholas II in 1925. The castle was bought by the Italian state in 1980 and reopened to visitors in 1994.
What to See in Racconigi Castle
The Castello Reale di Raccognigi is one of the best-preserved residences of the royal house of Savoy in Piedmont, with a large collection of furniture, paintings and furnishings. Most of the residence can be visited as a self-guided tour.
The 19th-century gardens and castle park are home to watercourses, ponds, caves and monuments.
Location, getting there and parking at Racconigi Castle
The imposing castle of Racconigi is located 30 kilometers south of Turin, on the way to Saluzzo. You can park free of charge in the neighboring streets or in the square above Generale Dalla Chiesa.
Opening hours & Admission fee
Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 9 am to 7 pm / Monday & Tuesday closed.
During the week, a guided tour includes the second floor, which is not open at weekends and for visitors without a guided tour. The first floor and the 19th century kitchens are always open to everybody.
Admission fee: € 8.00 per person / free admission for holders of the Torino Piemonte Card
8. Castello di Govone / Govone Castle
Overview of Govone Castle
In the Middle Ages, a guard and defensive structure stood on a hill overlooking the village of Govone, on the site of the present castle.
The present beautiful building was built by the Counts of Solaro, lords of Govone in the 13th century. In 1792, when the last of the Solaro family died, the castle and all that belonged to it became State property.
With the victory of Napoleon’s troops over the Piedmontese, the castle was confiscated and, like many other castles in the region, badly damaged and subsequently neglected.
It was bought in 1816 by the future King of Sardinia, Prince Carlo Felice. He had it restored and modernised and made Govone his summer residence.
It was here that he carried out his royal duties as host to sovereigns, heads of state and illustrious personalities.
In 1897, the Municipality of Govone bought the Castello di Govone at an auction, together with the furniture and other objects it contained.
What to See in Govone Castle
The royal castle of Govone is now a museum where you can experience Piedmontese court life in the early 19th century.
One of the main attractions are the magnificent Chinese wallpapers from the eighteenth century, which completely adorn the walls of the princesses’ chambers.
The palace can be visited without a guided tour. There is a supporting audio guide available by downloading the castle app.
Location, getting there and parking at Govone Castle
The Castello di Govone is located above the small village of Govone, 60 km south-east of Turin, halfway between the towns of Asti and Alba. There are a few parking spaces directly in front of the castle in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele.
Opening hours & Admission fee
Opening hours: From March to December every Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10 am – 12 pm and 3 pm – 6 pm / Online reservations are recommended
Admission fee: € 7.00 per person / Free admission for holders of the Torino Piemonte Card
Residences of the Royal House of Savoy in Turin
The following buildings and castles in the city of Turin have been included in the World Heritage List of the Residences of the Royal House of Savoy:
- Palazzo Reale
- Palazzo Chiablese
- Armeria Reale und Biblioteca Reale (parts of the Royal Palace)
- Palazzo della Prefettura (former Segreterie di Stato)
- Archivio di Stato di Torino (former Archivi di Corte)
- Accademia Reale (former military academy)
- Cavallerizza Reale (Former riding school)
- Regia Zecca
- Facade of the Teatro Regio di Torino
- Palazzo Madama
- Palazzo Carignano
- Castello del Valentino
- Villa della Regina
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