UNESCO-listed Savoy royal palace with the Galleria di Diana, large gardens and the Royal Stables, as an easy half-day or full-day outing.
The Reggia di Venaria Reale is the grandest of the Savoy residences around Turin, in the town of Venaria Reale about 10 km (6 miles) north-west of the city centre in Piedmont, Italy. Built from 1675 as a hunting lodge for Duke Charles Emmanuel II and later enlarged, it is part of the UNESCO-listed Residences of the Royal House of Savoy. The easiest transport is the SFM regional train from Torino Porta Susa, about 20 minutes, followed by a short walk or bus to the palace; GTT buses 11 and 72 take 30-45 minutes on a City ticket of about EUR 1.90 (~$2.19). Driving takes about 25 minutes, with paid parking near the palace.
The palace complex rewards a full day. Highlights include the Galleria di Diana, a long baroque hall designed by Filippo Juvarra with white stucco and large windows, the Salone di Diana, the restored Chapel of Sant'Uberto, and the Royal Stables (Scuderie Juvarriane), which host temporary exhibitions. Outside, the Gardens of the Reggia stretch across many hectares with fountains, pergolas, and contemporary art installations, and the Parco della Mandria lies beyond the palace walls for walking or cycling.
A workable one-day arc is to arrive when the palace opens, tour the Galleria di Diana and the royal apartments in the morning while the halls are quietest, then break for lunch in the town centre on Via Mensa or at the palace cafe. The afternoon suits the gardens and, in warmer months, a stroll or bike ride in La Mandria. Visitors should check opening days on lavenaria.it, because the palace is usually closed on Mondays and ticket options vary between palace-only and palace-plus-gardens combinations.
The best season runs from April to June and September to October, when the gardens are green or golden and temperatures are mild. Summer afternoons can be hot with little shade in the formal gardens, while winter visits focus on the interior halls. Food options are simple: expect Piedmontese dishes such as agnolotti, vitello tonnato and bonet in the town's trattorias. A return to Turin by train in the late afternoon keeps the trip comfortably within a day.
| Distance | About 10 km (6 miles) north-west of Turin |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 30-45 minutes by bus or 20 minutes by train |
| Getting there | GTT bus (lines 11 and 72) from central Turin or SFM regional train to Venaria Reale station, 30-45 minutes by bus, about EUR 1.90-2 (~$2.19-2.30) one way on a City ticket (gtt.to.it) |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Piazza della Repubblica 4, 10078 Venaria Reale TO |
How to get there
- GTT bus line 11 or 72 from central Turin to Venaria Reale: about 30-45 minutes, City ticket EUR 1.90 digital (~$2.19); check the current route and the VE1 service at gtt.to.it (toll-free 800 019152 from Italy)
- SFM regional train from Torino Porta Susa to Venaria Reale: about 20 minutes, a few euros each way (~$2.30-4); 10-minute walk or short bus to the palace (trenitalia.com)
- Driving: about 25 minutes from the centre by the ring road; paid parking near the palace
Location
Piazza della Repubblica 4, 10078 Venaria Reale TO
45.1347, 7.6370 View on map
Highlights
- Galleria di Diana, Juvarra's baroque hall of stucco and light
- Royal Stables (Scuderie Juvarriane) and temporary exhibitions
- Gardens of the Reggia with fountains and art installations
- Parco della Mandria for walking and cycling beyond the palace
- UNESCO-listed Savoy residence reached by a 20-minute train
Tips for visiting
- Take the SFM train from Torino Porta Susa, about 20 minutes, then walk or take a short bus to the palace.
- Check opening days at lavenaria.it; the palace is commonly closed on Mondays.
- Buy a combined palace and gardens ticket if planning to spend the full day.
- Arrive at opening time to see the Galleria di Diana before the crowds.
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection for the open gardens in summer.
- Skip the car: parking is paid and the train is faster.
When to visit
April-June and September-October offer the best garden conditions; arrive at opening time on weekdays for quieter halls. Summer afternoons can be hot and winter focuses on indoor rooms.
Accessibility
The palace and main gardens have lifts, ramps and flat paths, and are generally manageable for wheelchair users. Some historic rooms and garden gravel areas may be harder to navigate, so visitors should confirm details with the palace.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How do visitors get from Turin to the Reggia di Venaria Reale?
The SFM regional train from Torino Porta Susa takes about 20 minutes to Venaria Reale station, followed by a 10-minute walk or short bus. GTT buses 11 and 72 take 30-45 minutes.
How long is needed at the Reggia di Venaria?
A visit to the palace and Galleria di Diana takes about 2-3 hours, and adding the gardens makes it a half-day to a full day.
Is the Reggia di Venaria open every day?
The palace is typically closed one day a week, usually Monday, and hours vary by season. Visitors should check lavenaria.it before travelling.
Is the palace suitable for children?
Yes. The large gardens, open spaces and the Parco della Mandria suit families, and the flat grounds make pushchairs easy to use.