The main Savoy royal residence from the 17th century, with state apartments, the Armeria Reale and gardens.
Palazzo Reale is the principal Savoy residence in Turin, Piedmont, Italy, facing Piazza Castello and reached from Piazzetta Reale. The Savoys moved their capital to Turin in 1563, and from the 1640s Duchess Christine of France, known as Madama Reale, commissioned the present palace on the site of earlier ducal buildings. The architect Amedeo di Castellamonte directed the work, and later generations added interiors by Filippo Juvarra, Benedetto Alfieri and Pelagio Palagi. The palace remained the royal residence until the capital moved to Florence in 1865, and it forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing for the Residences of the Royal House of Savoy.
The plain brick exterior contrasts with sumptuous interiors on the piano nobile. The state apartments include the Scala delle Forbici, a staircase by Juvarra, the Throne Room, the Sala del Trono, the Chinese Cabinet, the Sala degli Svizzeri and the Gallery of Daniel Seiter. Ceilings are painted with allegories of Savoy history, and furniture includes pieces by Pietro Piffetti, the court cabinet-maker whose inlaid work is among the finest in Italy. The Armeria Reale, reached from the palace, houses one of Europe's leading collections of arms and armour.
The visit is chronological and thematic: rooms follow the ceremonial route from the grand staircase to the private apartments. The Royal Gardens behind the palace, redesigned by Andre Le Notre's circle in the 17th century, are included and offer a quiet pause. Conservation has been ongoing, with restoration of gilded ceilings, tapestries and parquet, and some rooms are rotated or closed for work.
The palace is part of the Musei Reali, whose ticket of about EUR 18 also covers the Galleria Sabauda, the Museo di Antichita, the Roman theatre and the Biblioteca Reale in part. Opening is generally Tuesday to Sunday, with Monday closure; confirm times at museireali.beniculturali.it. A full visit is worth planning for at least half a day.
| Admission | Musei Reali ticket, about EUR 18 (approx. $20.70) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Tue-Sun about 9AM-7PM; closed Monday. Confirm at museireali.beniculturali.it |
| Address | Piazzetta Reale 1, 10122 Torino |
Why it matters
Palazzo Reale was the seat of the House of Savoy, the dynasty that ruled Piedmont-Sardinia and then unified Italy in 1861. It is part of the UNESCO-listed Residences of the Royal House of Savoy.
Location
Piazzetta Reale 1, 10122 Torino
45.0733, 7.6860 View on map
Highlights
- Juvarra's Scala delle Forbici staircase
- State apartments with painted ceilings and Piffetti furniture
- Armeria Reale arms and armour collection
- Royal Gardens behind the palace
- UNESCO-listed Savoy residence
Tips for visiting
- Buy the Musei Reali ticket, about EUR 18, which covers the palace, galleries and archaeological area.
- Begin on the Scala delle Forbici and follow the marked route through the state rooms.
- The Armeria Reale is a short walk from the main staircase; allow extra time for it.
- Check museireali.beniculturali.it for Monday closure and room rotations.
- Visit the gardens last for a quiet end to the route.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is the palace English-language friendly?
Room texts and the official website are provided in English, and audio guides can usually be borrowed at the ticket office.
How long does a full visit take?
The state apartments take about 1.5 to 2 hours, and the Armeria Reale and gardens add another hour or more.
Can children visit?
Yes, children enjoy the armour and the grand rooms, though the palace has strict no-touch rules. Reduced rates apply for younger visitors.