Chiablese Palace, Turin
Chiablese Palace in Turin is one of the oldest and the most majestic noble houses of the city. Historically, this building is a part of the Royal Palace complex. Nowadays, a beautiful mansion in the heart of the city is a haven for several organizations. Due to its value and respectable age, it is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
History of the palace
The palace was built in the beginning of the 16th century, and its first owner was Bernardino di Savoia. In 1585, it was given to the Duke Charles Emmanuel I, and then the first reconstruction according to the project of Ascanio Vitozzi was carried out. The mansion became a full-fledged lateral part of the complex of buildings of the Royal Palace.
In the early 17th century, Cardinal Maurizio di Savoia and his wife lived here. In 1753, King Charles Emmanuel III ordered a large-scale restoration of the palace for his youngest son, the Duke Benedetto Maurizio del Chiablese. It was conducted by the famous royal architect Benedetto Alfieri. The work was completed after the death of the latter in 1670. Since then, representatives of the younger branch of the house of Savoy lived here. The estate became the residence of the youngest royal sons and daughters for 250 years. During the Second World War, it suffered considerably, but was soon restored.
In 1946, after the abolition of the monarchy, the building became state property. From 1958 until 1985, the National Museum of Cinema was housed in it.
Architecture and modern state
Outwardly, the palace is quite simple, and after the restoration it lost its original architectural style. In the lobby, a stately staircase leads to the main floor that is predominantly furnished with the 18th-19th century antique furniture, luxurious ornaments, plasters, bas-reliefs and wood products. There are many interesting and open rooms for visitors: the Swiss salon, the security room, the wardrobe, the main ceremonial hall, the dining room, the hall with tapestries and the Cignaroli gallery. All rooms are decorated with paintings by famous Italian artists.
Nowadays, the Regional Council and the Regional Directorate for the Cultural Heritage and Landscape of Piedmont are located on the main floor. Temporary exhibitions of the Royal Museum are held on the ground floor, which was previously intended for office space, almost devoid of historical color. On the top floor there are luxurious hotel rooms. Excursions in the palace are conducted by the efforts of the volunteers of the organization Touring Club Italiano.
How to get there
The palace is located in the heart of Turin, on Piazza S. Giovanni, 2. Opposite of it there is the Turin Cathedral with the Diocesan Museum. Behind the cathedral there is the Sabauda Gallery, and the museums of Antiquity and Ancient Arts are situated on the nearby Royal and Castle Squares. The nearest public transport stop is Garibaldi. Trams № 4, 7, and buses № 11, 19, 27, 51, 57, 92, N04, STAR2 stop here.
Opening hours: Wednesday to Friday from 14:00 to 18:00. Closed for visitors in August. Phone number (+39) 011 5362030.
Free admission. Data of April 2018.
