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 palace's interior is swathed in luxurious, mostly rococo trappings, including tapestries, gilt ceilings, and sumptuous 17th- to 19th-century furniture. You can head down to the basement and the old kitchens to see where food for the last kings of Italy was once dished up, and behind the palace you can relax in the royal gardens. At this writing, extensive restoration work is underway to allow the opening of all floors of the palace and for the permanent transfer here of the painting collection of the Galleria Sabauda in 2011.

The Armeria Reale, in a wing of the Royal Palace, holds one of Europe's most extensive collections of arms and armor. It's a must-see for connoisseurs. Entrance at, Piazza Castello 191, 10122. 011/543889. €4. Tues.-Fri. 9-2, weekends 1-7.