Guarino Guarini's palace (1679-1685), birthplace of Victor Emmanuel II and meeting place of the first Italian Parliament in 1861.
Palazzo Carignano stands in the centro storico of Turin, Piedmont, Italy, on Via Accademia delle Scienze. It was designed by Guarino Guarini and built between 1679 and 1685 for Prince Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy-Carignano. The building is an outstanding work of Piedmontese Baroque, with an undulating brick facade rich in moulded terracotta detail, and a curved central body that opens to a grand oval hall. The Carignano branch of the Savoy family lived here, and Victor Emmanuel II was born in the palace in 1820.
The palace became a political centre in the 19th century. From 1848 it housed the Subalpine Parliament of the Kingdom of Sardinia, and in 1861 it hosted the first Parliament of the Kingdom of Italy, which proclaimed the unification. The Chamber of Deputies of the Subalpine Parliament, with its original seating, is preserved, and the chamber of the first Italian Parliament can be visited on guided or self-guided routes. The Sala del Parlamento Subalpino in particular is one of the best preserved parliamentary chambers of the era.
The interior comprises the monumental staircase, the Baroque salons of the Princes of Carignano and the rooms that now form part of the Museo Nazionale del Risorgimento. The display is chronological and thematic, tracing Italian unification through paintings, uniforms, manuscripts, flags and everyday objects from the period 1706 to 1870. The palace is thus both an object and a container of history.
The building has been restored repeatedly, most recently in works that reopened the museum with modern displays and enhanced accessibility. The brick facade shows the typical weathering of 17th-century terracotta and is monitored by the conservation staff. Admission is about EUR 10, with reduced tickets at EUR 8, and opening is generally Tuesday to Sunday from around 10AM to 6PM. Confirm details at museorisorgimentotorino.it.
| Admission | EUR 10 (approx. $11.50); reduced EUR 8 (approx. $9.20) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Tue-Sun about 10AM-6PM; confirm at museorisorgimentotorino.it, tel +39 011 5621147 |
| Address | Via Accademia delle Scienze 5, 10123 Torino |
Why it matters
Palazzo Carignano was the birthplace of Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of united Italy, and hosted the Subalpine Parliament and the first Italian Parliament in 1861. It is one of the central buildings of the Risorgimento.
Location
Via Accademia delle Scienze 5, 10123 Torino
45.0687, 7.6859 View on map
Highlights
- Guarini's curved terracotta Baroque facade
- Preserved Subalpine Parliament chamber of 1848
- Chamber of the first Italian Parliament, 1861
- Birthplace room of Victor Emmanuel II
- Baroque salons of the Carignano princes
Tips for visiting
- Admission is about EUR 10, reduced EUR 8; the palace is closed on Mondays.
- Visit the parliamentary chambers first, then follow the museum chronologically.
- Look closely at the brick facade, where the detail is moulded rather than carved.
- Phone +39 011 5621147 to confirm guided tour times.
- Combine with the Museo Egizio, just across the street.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is Palazzo Carignano English-language friendly?
Many labels and the website carry English text, and guided tours may be available in English by arrangement. Confirm at the museum.
How long does a visit take?
A visit to the palace and museum usually takes between 1.5 and 2.5 hours.
Can children visit?
Yes, older children interested in history will enjoy the parliament chambers and uniforms, though some labelling is aimed at adults.