Palazzo della Venaria Reale

Overview

The Reggia di Venaria Reale is one of Europe's grandest royal residences, a vast 17th-century Savoy palace surrounded by 60 hectares of formal gardens. Restored in a €280 million project completed in 2007, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Italy's fifth most-visited cultural attraction.

Highlights

• Galleria di Diana: Juvarra's breathtaking 80-metre gallery with soaring windows, frescoed vaults, and trompe-l'oeil perspectives.
• Royal Gardens: Fountains, parterres, and the Potager Royal, restored to their 18th-century splendour.
• Contemporary art exhibitions: The palace hosts rotating blockbuster exhibitions alongside the permanent historical displays.

History

Duke Carlo Emanuele II began the palace in 1675 as a hunting lodge. Juvarra transformed it into a monumental complex in the 1710s–1720s. After centuries of military use and neglect, a massive, decades-long restoration brought the Reggia back to its former glory by 2007.

Visitor Tips

• Allow half a day: The palace and gardens together require at least 3–4 hours.
• Bus from Turin: GTT bus connection from Porta Nuova station; the palace entrance is 15 minutes from the centre.
• Duration: 3–4 hours.