Palazzo Carignano travel guide

Palazzo Carignano, a magnificent example of Baroque architecture, stands proudly in Turin. Commissioned by Prince Emmanuel Philibert of Savoy-Carignano, the palace was designed by the renowned architect Guarino Guarini and constructed between 1679 and 1685. Its distinctive undulating façade, crafted from red brick, is a testament to Guarini's innovative design approach. The palace's history is intertwined with significant events, including its role as the birthplace of King Victor Emmanuel II in 1820 and as the seat of the first Italian Parliament in 1861.

Today, Palazzo Carignano houses the Museo Nazionale del Risorgimento Italiano, which chronicles Italy's journey towards unification. Visitors can explore the opulent interiors, adorned with frescoes and stucco decorations, while learning about the pivotal moments in Italian history. The palace's historical significance and architectural beauty make it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and architecture lovers alike.

One of the most striking features of Palazzo Carignano is its undulating façade, designed by the Baroque architect Guarino Guarini. The building's brick exterior is adorned with intricate patterns and curves, creating a dynamic play of light and shadow that changes throughout the day. This fluid design breaks away from the rigid symmetry typical of the period, making it a standout example of Baroque architecture.

Inside, the Palazzo Carignano boasts a majestic elliptical staircase, a rare architectural element that adds to the building's grandeur. The interiors are equally impressive, featuring richly decorated rooms with elaborate frescoes and stucco work. One particularly notable room is the 'Salone delle Feste,' a grand ballroom with an opulent ceiling fresco that captures the essence of 17th-century artistic mastery.

Another unique aspect is the building's historical significance in Italian politics. The Palazzo was the birthplace of King Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of a united Italy. It also served as the seat of the first Italian Parliament, further cementing its importance in the nation's history. These elements collectively make Palazzo Carignano not just an architectural marvel, but a symbol of Italy's rich cultural and political heritage.

Palazzo Carignano is renowned for its stunning undulating brick façade, a rare feature that makes it one of the most distinctive examples of Baroque architecture in Italy. Designed by the architect Guarino Guarini, the bricks are laid in a way that creates a wave-like effect, a technique that was revolutionary at the time. Another captivating fact is that the palace was the birthplace of the first King of a unified Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II, in 1820. Inside, the grand staircase is a marvel of engineering, appearing to float without visible support. The building also housed the first Italian Parliament, making it a crucial site in Italy's political history. Moreover, the Palazzo features a 'secret' room behind a false wall, which was used for confidential political meetings during the Risorgimento.

Located in the dynamic Turin, the popular Palazzo Carignano is easy to find and can be explored during a short weekend escape in the beautiful city of Turin or as a stop on your countrywide road trip through Italy.

Turin is a perfect holiday destination for those who crave a mix of history, culture, and modern amenities. With its distinct architecture, famous museums, and delicious culinary scene, Turin offers something for everyone.

Take a stroll through the charming streets and alleys to discover hidden gems and enjoy the local atmosphere. Visit this popular landmark in Turin and immerse yourself in the city's rich history and culture at top attractions, including the remarkable Egyptian Museum, Mole Antonelliana, Parco del Valentino, Basilica of Superga, and Borgo Medievale.

Whether you're looking to indulge in shopping or explore the nightlife, Turin has it all. Don't forget to sample the delicious cuisine, from traditional dishes to modern fusion.

Experience the best of both worlds in Turin, a place where the past meets the present, and you'll create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

Click the travel guides below to learn more and get ready to make unforgettable memories in Italy!

The best time to explore Palazzo Carignano is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) seasons. During these months, the weather in Turin is generally mild and pleasant, making it ideal for sightseeing and leisurely strolls around the historic center. The springtime brings blooming flowers and vibrant greenery, adding a picturesque backdrop to your visit, while autumn offers beautiful fall foliage and a crisp, refreshing atmosphere.

Summer months (July and August) are also popular, but travelers should be prepared for higher temperatures and larger crowds, as this period coincides with the peak tourist season. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday rush.

Winter (December to February) can be charming as well, especially around the festive season when the city is adorned with holiday lights and decorations. However, note that it can be quite cold, so dress warmly.

For a truly unique experience, time your visit to coincide with special events such as 'Settembre Musica' (MITO SettembreMusica) in September, a festival that celebrates classical music and offers a variety of concerts in historic venues, including Palazzo Carignano. This adds an extra layer of cultural enrichment to your visit, making it the best time to explore Palazzo Carignano.

Palazzo Carignano is conveniently accessible by various transportation options in Turin, Italy. If you're flying in, Milan–Malpensa Airport is approximately 63.6 miles (102.3 km) away from Turin. From there, you can easily reach Palazzo Carignano by taxi or shuttle.

For those already in Turin, buses, taxis, and walking are viable options to reach Palazzo Carignano, which is located 0.2 miles (0.3 km) from the city center. You can also rent a car and drive to Palazzo Carignano, providing flexibility to explore at your leisure. Its exact address is Via Accademia delle Scienze, 5, 10123 Torino TO, Italy, Italy.

With your transportation plans sorted, get ready for an unforgettable experience at Palazzo Carignano!

To truly enjoy your visit to Palazzo Carignano, joining a tour that features this popular palazzo in Turin is highly recommended. As one of Italy's most iconic attractions, Palazzo Carignano draws visitors from around the world. Booking a tour in advance allows you to skip the lines and ensures a smooth, enjoyable experience.

Find the best and most popular tours and tickets to Palazzo Carignano starting at just 39 EUR below.

With a rental car, discovering the popular Palazzo Carignano and Italy's captivating landscapes becomes a breeze, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Upon arrival, international travelers can choose from 3 reputable rental car companies near Milan–Malpensa Airport and the city of Turin, making transportation seamless and efficient.

Rental car companies in Italy cater to a variety of preferences, offering vehicles ranging from compact and midsize to premium, estate, and even camper vans or convertibles. To select the perfect ride, consider your itinerary and specific travel plans in Turin and beyond.

Conveniently explore Palazzo Carignano and plenty more captivating attractions in Turin by staying at a top-rated hotel in the center of the city. With comfortable accommodations and easy access to Palazzo Carignano and other notable landmarks, wake up well-rested every day, ready to explore all that Turin has to offer.

Discover the best hotels for visiting Palazzo Carignano below.

Aside from Palazzo Carignano, Turin is home to numerous other top attractions waiting to be explored. From museums and architectural masterpieces to sculptures and natural wonders, the city offers a diverse range of sights to behold. For the ultimate sightseeing tour around Turin, there are a number of attractions every itinerary should include, namely Egyptian Museum, Mole Antonelliana, and Parco del Valentino.

Egyptian Museum is a bucket-list museum and top attraction in Turin, drawing numerous travelers and locals every year. As evident by its average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 48,000 reviews, this attraction is a popular place to visit for anyone with time to spend in the city. The exact address of Egyptian Museum is Via Accademia delle Scienze, 6, 10123 Torino TO, Italy.

Another appreciated attraction in Turin is Mole Antonelliana. Like Egyptian Museum, this is one of the most popular sites to visit in the city. With an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars among 45,000 visitors, it’s also one of the highest-rated. The exact address of this museum is Via Montebello, 20, 10124 Torino TO, Italy.

Parco del Valentino is also a clear favorite among travelers seeking to experience the uniqueness of Turin. This park and top attraction in Turin has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 42,000 visitors. This attraction is located at the address of Corso Massimo d'Azeglio, 10126 Torino TO, Italy.

Check out our full list of top attractions in the city of Turin below.