Reggia di Venaria Reale

The Royal Palace of Venaria began as a hunting residence for Duke Carlo Emanuele II and became a major Baroque complex of the House of Savoy. Its palace, chapel, stables and gardens form part of the UNESCO-listed Residences of the Royal House of Savoy.

Why it matters

Venaria was a central element of the Savoy residences around Turin, known as the Corona di Delizie. Its architecture expresses the dynastic ambition of successive dukes and kings, while the extensive restoration completed in 2007 returned the complex to cultural use. UNESCO inscribed the Savoy residences in 1997.

What to notice

The palace is arranged as a long architectural sequence. The Galleria Grande, with arched windows, stucco and a black-and-white floor, connects the historic apartments. The monumental Juvarra stables and the Chapel of Sant'Uberto continue the complex's axial design. In the chapel, Giovanni Antonio Galliari's painted cupola creates the illusion of a dome. The gardens include the Water Theatre of the Stag and the Fountain of Hercules.

Context and history

Construction began in 1659 under Amedeo di Castellamonte, following the commission of 1658. After damage by French troops in 1693, Vittorio Amedeo II engaged Michelangelo Garove in 1699. Filippo Juvarra continued the work from 1716, completing the Galleria Grande and designing the chapel, citroniera and stables. Benedetto Alfieri unified the wings between 1739 and 1761. The palace later served as barracks and remained military property until the late twentieth century. A major restoration ran from 1999 to 2007, and the palace reopened on 13 October 2007.