Palazzo Reale

Palazzo Reale Review

This 17th-century palace, a former Savoy royal residence, is an imposing work of brick, stone, and marble that stands on the site of one of Turin's ancient Roman city gates. In contrast to its sober exterior, the two main floors of the palace's interior are swathed in luxurious, mostly rococo trappings, including tapestries, gilt ceilings, and sumptuous 17th- to 19th-century furniture. You also can head down to the basement and the old kitchens to see where food for the last kings of Italy was once dished up. Currently the royal gardens behind the palace are closed for extensive restoration.

Armeria Reale. This wing of the Royal Palace holds one of Europe's most extensive collections of arms and armor. It's a must-see for connoisseurs. Piazza Castello 191, 10122. 011/543889. €10, includes the Palazzo Reale and Galleria Sabauda. Tues.-Fri. 9-2, weekends 1-7.