The Royal Museums of Turin include, in a single itinerary and with a single ticket, Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace), the Biblioteca Reale (Royal Library), the Armeria Reale (Royal Armory), the Galleria Sabauda (Sabauda Gallery), the Museo di antichità (Museum of Antiquities), Palazzo Chiablese, the Cappella della Sacra Sindone (Chapel of the Holy Shroud), and the Giardini Reali (Royal Gardens).
From piazza Castello (Castle Square) and Piazzetta Reale (Royal Square), passing through the gate with the statues of Castor and Pollux, we embark on a fascinating journey: a 3 km long itinerary that traces the history of Italy from the Roman artifacts of the Museum of Antiquities to the sumptuous halls of the Royal Palace.
If you have limited time, we recommend visiting at least the Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace) together with the Cupola della Sindone (Dome of the Shroud) and the Armeria Reale (Royal Armory); the latter two can be seen quite quickly. Those with more time, however, can enjoy the complete itinerary.
At the end of the visit, you can refresh yourself in the caffetteria di Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace cafeteria) or relax in the elegant Giardini Reali (Royal Gardens) with a view of the Mole Antonelliana.
Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace)
In 1561, Turin became the new capital of the Duchy of Savoy. To give it a brand-new center of power, Duke Carlo Emanuele I commissioned the architect Ascanio Vittozzi to construct the Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace). Expanded and renovated at the behest of the first Madama Reale, Maria Cristina of France, it became an environment rich in works of art thanks to the interventions of Filippo Juvarra (Staircase of the Scissors), Benedetto Alfieri, and Claudio Francesco Beaumont. It was the official residence of the Savoy family until 1865.
Visit the richly decorated and furnished royal apartments from the 17th to the 20th centuries, which document the evolution of the taste of the Savoy sovereigns and preserve not only the furnishings, especially by Pelagio Palagi, but also clocks, porcelains, and silverware. You can walk through vast, sumptuously decorated halls, the spectacular Staircase of Honor, the majestic Hall of the Swiss Guard, the refined Hall of the Pages, and the solemn Throne Room. Lose yourself in the magic of the Ballroom and be amazed by the evocative Chinese Cabinet.
Also of great interest is a visit to the kitchens, to discover some curiosities related to table ceremonies, recipes, fashions, and rules of the ceremonial of the Palace that was the heart of the Kingdom of Italy. The kitchens are not included in the regular ticket, are not always available, and are part of the guided tours; request information at the ticket office.
Cappella della Sindone (Chapel of the Shroud)
The chapel that houses the Shroud, a Baroque masterpiece by Guarino Guarini, has been reopened after a very long and complex restoration that began after the fire of 1997. The Savoy family could access the chapel directly from the Royal Palace, and you can do the same: it is included in the Royal Museums visit. The view of the pagoda-shaped dome will leave you breathless!
Biblioteca Reale (Royal Library)
After the Royal Palace, the visit continues to the adjacent Biblioteca Reale (Royal Library). Here are preserved collections of drawings, printed books, manuscripts, and parchments, the famous “Self-Portrait” in red chalk and the code on the birds of Leonardo da Vinci.
Armeria Reale (Royal Armory)
The Armeria Reale (Royal Armory) is a spectacular gallery where armor and weapons from prehistoric times to the early 20th century are exhibited. One of the richest collections of arms and armor in Europe, housed in the sumptuous setting of the Galleria del Beaumont.
Galleria Sabauda (Sabauda Gallery)
The Galleria Sabauda (Sabauda Gallery) is one of the most important Italian art galleries with over seven hundred paintings, including masterpieces by great Italian, Flemish, and Dutch masters such as Rembrandt, Bellotto, Botticelli, Gaudenzio Ferrari, Van Eyck, Guercino, Tiepolo.
Museo Archeologico (Archaeological Museum)
Immerse yourself in a fascinating journey to discover the archeology of Turin and Piedmont, a path that extends naturally to the civilizations of the Mediterranean. With its vast display and numerous rooms, the museum offers an in-depth and engaging visiting experience.
Giardini Reali (Royal Gardens)
After a long visit to the Royal Museums, enjoy some relaxation in the green of the Giardini Reali (Royal Gardens). After passing the courtyard of the Royal Palace, you will find an oasis of peace in the heart of Turin.
Sit on one of the green metal chairs that are very reminiscent of those in the Tuileries in Paris, and enjoy the view of the Mole Antonelliana.
Un Caffè Reale (A Royal Coffee)
Treat yourself to a break among elegant silverware and refined porcelain in the cozy interior rooms of the Caffè Reale (Royal Coffee), in the rooms of the Regia Frutteria, the place where the palace’s porcelain and silverware were kept.