Palaco Carignano historic building in Turin Italy

Palazzo Carignano

Palazzo Carignano Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance in Turin, Italy

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Palazzo Carignano is a crown jewel of Turin, celebrated for its striking Baroque architecture and pivotal role in Italian history. Designed by Guarino Guarini and commissioned by Prince Emanuele Filiberto of Carignano in the late 17th century, this palace is not only an architectural masterpiece but also a cradle of the Italian Risorgimento. Today, it houses the National Museum of the Italian Risorgimento and stands as a UNESCO World Heritage site, drawing visitors eager to explore Italy’s journey to unification and the artistry of Baroque design (turinandmore.com, Wikipedia).

This detailed guide covers everything you need to know for a memorable visit: the palace’s origins, architectural highlights, key historic events, practical visitor information, accessibility, and expert tips for making the most of your trip.

Origins and Architectural Significance
Historical Events and Notable Figures
The National Museum of the Italian Risorgimento
Architectural Evolution and Urban Context
Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Visitor Information
Accessibility and Facilities
Visitor Tips and Best Times to Visit
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions
Summary and Recommendations
Sources and Further Reading

Origins and Architectural Significance

Palazzo Carignano was conceived as a princely residence for the cadet Carignano branch of the House of Savoy. Guarino Guarini, a leading Baroque architect, designed the palace between 1679 and 1684. The building’s most notable feature is its undulating, red terracotta façade, which introduces a dramatic convex–concave–convex rhythm to the city’s streetscape—a design inspired by Roman Baroque but highly original in the context of Turin (Wikipedia, turinandmore.com).

The palace’s plan juxtaposes a square layout with an elliptical façade, creating a dynamic interplay of forms and space. The oval atrium, double staircase, and lavishly decorated apartments demonstrate Guarini’s mastery of spatial innovation and theatricality. The interiors, adorned with gold leaf, frescoes by Legnanino, and sculptural busts by Pietro Somazzi, reflect the ambitions and tastes of the Savoy dynasty (Audiala).

Palazzo Carignano façade

Historical Events and Notable Figures

Palazzo Carignano is steeped in history. It was here that Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of a unified Italy, was born in 1820. The palace later became the seat of the first Italian Parliament during the Risorgimento, hosting landmark debates that shaped the nation’s future (thrillophilia.com). Its walls witnessed the birth of modern Italy, and the building remains a powerful symbol of national unity and progress (Residenze Reali Sabaude).

The National Museum of the Italian Risorgimento

Today, Palazzo Carignano houses the National Museum of the Italian Risorgimento, Italy’s oldest and most comprehensive institution dedicated to the country’s unification movement. The museum features over 30 exhibition rooms, displaying artifacts, documents, banners, and multimedia installations that narrate the path to unity. A highlight is the preserved parliamentary chamber, where the Subalpine Parliament once convened (museorisorgimentotorino.it, Live the World).

Architectural Evolution and Urban Context

The palace’s design evolved alongside Turin’s growth. The original Baroque wing faces Piazza Carignano; a 19th-century extension, built to house the Subalpine Parliament, faces Piazza Carlo Alberto and reflects Renaissance and eclectic influences. The red brick façade stands out among neighboring buildings, and the palace’s central location places it at the heart of Turin’s UNESCO-listed Royal Residences circuit (TouristPlatform, turinandmore.com).

Palazzo Carignano interior atrium

Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Visitor Information

Location and Access

Address: Via Accademia delle Scienze, 5, 10123 Turin
Public Transport:
- Train: Porta Nuova and Porta Susa stations (walking distance)
- Metro: Porta Nuova (approx. 900m away)
- Bus/Tram: Multiple lines serve nearby stops
- Car: Paid parking at Piazza Castello, Piazza San Carlo, and Piazzale Valdo Fusi
  (official site)

Visiting Hours

Princely Apartments:
- Open Saturday, Sunday & holidays: 10:00–13:00 and 14:15–18:00 (last entry 17:00)
- Closed Monday–Friday
Ticket Office:
- Open Monday, Wednesday–Sunday & holidays: 9:45–12:15 and 14:15–17:00
- Closed Tuesday

Note: Museum hours may differ slightly; always check the official website before your visit.

Ticket Prices

Full price: €5.00
Reduced: €2.00 (ages 18–25)
Free: Under 18s, teachers, students of architecture/literature/philosophy, Abbonamento Musei and Torino+Piemonte Card holders, ICOM members, Ministry of Culture staff, journalists
Special: First Sunday of each month, free entry (reservation required)

Purchase tickets online: Musei Italiani

Accessibility and Facilities

Accessibility: Most public areas are wheelchair accessible; main staircases and underground areas are not. Disabled parking is available nearby (official site).
Facilities: Cloakroom, baby changing, and nursing area (no bookshop or audioguides currently available)
Restrooms: Located on the ground floor
Gift Shop: Museum shop offers books and souvenirs

Visitor Tips and Best Times to Visit

Guided Tours: Book in advance, especially for weekends and holidays. Tours are available in multiple languages and enrich the experience.
Peak Times: Spring and autumn are ideal for mild weather and fewer crowds. Early mornings and late afternoons are quieter.
Advance Booking: Recommended for free entry days and special exhibitions.
Photography: Permitted without flash or tripods; check signage for restrictions.
Dress Code: Comfortable shoes are recommended due to extensive walking.
Family-Friendly: The museum provides educational activities for children.

Nearby Attractions

Palazzo Carignano’s central location allows easy access to:

Palazzo Reale: The former royal palace of the House of Savoy (The Best of Turin)
Palazzo Madama: Museum of Ancient Art and unique blend of medieval/Baroque styles
Piazza Castello: Turin’s main square
Turin Cathedral: Home to the Shroud of Turin

All are within a short walking distance, making it easy to plan a full cultural itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the Palazzo Carignano visiting hours?
A: Princely Apartments are open Saturday, Sunday, and holidays, 10:00–13:00 and 14:15–18:00 (last entry 17:00); closed Monday–Friday. Museum hours may vary.

Q: How do I purchase tickets?
A: Tickets can be bought onsite or online via Musei Italiani.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, tours in several languages can be booked in advance.

Q: Is the palace accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Most public areas are accessible, though some historic sections may have limited access.

Q: Can I take photos inside?
A: Photography is allowed in most areas, but flash and tripods are usually restricted.

Summary and Recommendations

Palazzo Carignano is a must-visit site for anyone interested in Italy’s architectural innovation, royal heritage, and the drama of unification. Its Baroque façade, evocative interiors, and the extensive Museum of the Italian Risorgimento offer a multifaceted journey through history (Wikipedia, TouristPlatform, museorisorgimentotorino.it). With well-organized visitor amenities, accessible transport, and proximity to other major Turin landmarks, it is an essential stop on any cultural itinerary.

To make the most of your visit: