The palace where Italy was born
A red brick facade ripples like a wave in the heart of Turin. This is rare for a Baroque palace, and it is exactly what makes the Carignano Palace instantly recognizable. Behind these curved walls, a decisive episode of Italian history played out: the birth of the unified kingdom.
Why visit the Carignano Palace?
Built starting in 1679 by the Baroque architect Guarino Guarini for the junior branch of the House of Savoy, the palace strikes visitors first with its concave facade of exposed brick. It was a bold architectural choice for the time and is unique in a city landscape otherwise dominated by stucco and light-colored stone.
The building is most famous for its political significance. The future king Victor-Emmanuel II, the first sovereign of unified Italy, was born here in 1820. A few decades later, the palace hosted the very first Parliament of the Kingdom of Italy between 1861 and 1864, before the capital was moved to Florence and eventually to Rome.
The National Museum of the Italian Risorgimento
Today, the palace houses the Museo Nazionale del Risorgimento Italiano (National Museum of the Italian Risorgimento), one of the richest collections in Europe dedicated to this era. The exhibits trace nearly a century of history, from the French Revolution and the wars of independence to the unification of 1861, through uniforms, flags, weapons, original documents, and portraits.
The visit culminates in the former salle du Parlement subalpin (Subalpine Parliament Hall), a wooden hemicycle kept almost intact, where you can still feel the tension of the debates that shaped the Italian nation. It is arguably the most moving room in the entire museum.
Guarini’s architecture, a class of its own
Fans of Baroque architecture will want to take their time with the interplay of curves and counter-curves that animate the main facade, giving the structure an almost organic movement. The interior, while less spectacular than other Savoyard residences in the city, still retains state rooms with 18th-century decor that highlight the grandeur of the Carignano family.
Insider tip: Aim for a weekday visit in the early afternoon. The Subalpine Parliament Hall is best enjoyed without crowds, and you will appreciate the quiet atmosphere much more.
Best for
- History buffs interested in the Italian Risorgimento
- Travelers who enjoy non-traditional Baroque architecture
- Combining a visit with a walking tour of historic Turin
Less suitable for
- Small children, as the museum is dense and text-heavy
- Those looking for highly ornate, gilded Baroque interiors
Opening hours
Tue-Sun: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Closed on Mondays.
Last admission at 5:00 PM.
Closed on December 25 and January 1.
How long for this activity
Plan on spending between 1 hour and 1 hour and 30 minutes exploring the rooms of the National Museum of the Risorgimento and admiring the princely apartments. A duration of 2 hours is recommended if you want to delve deeper into the historical collections.
This palace has truly sumptuous architecture. The exterior of the building is superb. It is also possible to visit the interior, but this is only done via a guided tour. I recommend booking in advance when you come to Turin because those spots are limited.