Constructed in the late Renaissance of 16th-century Italy, the Royal Palace of Turin was at the heart of the Savoy Dynasty for over two centuries. Today, the Royal Palace operates as a group of museums in Turin’s historically and culturally significant Piazza Castello. The palace’s bold and elegant Neoclassical façade houses many pinnacle examples of Italian Baroque design.
More than 20 homes and palaces were built by the Savoy Dynasty in and around Turin, with the Royal Palace as its crown jewel.
The palace grounds cover a large area in the heart of the subalpine city of Turin. Built in the 16th century by Vittorio Amedeo II, Carlo Emanuele III, and Vittorio Amedeo III, the palace interiors were later modernized in Baroque style by architect Filippo Juvarra. The accomplished architect designed many famous Italian churches and palaces in addition to stage sets and fine examples of Rococo design.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the palace is famously home to the Chapel of the Holy Shroud which was added to the palace in the 17th century. The chapel’s architecture is a feat of geometric vision by mathematician and architect, Guarino Guarini. Climbing with several distinct levels, the tower utilizes a myriad of arches and windows that form a dome and spire. The interior’s religiously significant design is a symphony of mathematical relationships, symbols, and patterns.
The Royal Palace is home to significant collections of both weaponry and art, not least of which is found in the famous Royal Armory. From floor to ceiling, the palace is decorated with exquisite design and expert artisanship. Seventeenth-century tapestries, frescoes, elaborate stucco designs, paintings, and fine vases fill the many unique rooms and halls of the palace. Its museums house priceless artifacts including a self-portrait of Leonardo da Vinci and the Shroud of Turin.
The Royal Armory of Turin was designed by Baroque architect Filippo Juvarra in 1733. The handsomely coved ceiling sits above a marble checkerboard floor that stretches from the Royal Palace to Palazzo Madama. With over 5,000 pieces of historic weapons and armor, the dramatic hall is home to one of the most famous collections in the world. (Guilhem Vellut/CC BY 2.0)
Jeff Perkin
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Jeff Perkin is a graphic artist and integrative nutrition health coach. He can be reached WholySelf.com