Palazzo Madama

Baroque and beauty in Piazza Castello

Juvarra's beautiful baroque facade to the Palazzo Madama fronts a former castle and Royal Palace, which today houses Turin's Civic Museum

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The Palazzo Madama creates an island of baroque beauty in the centre of Piazza Castello, to which it gives its name. The site has been occupied throughout Turin's history. Originally it was a Roman gate, then a fort, and by the 15th century, a castle.

Then it became the home of Maria Cristina of France and Giovanna Battista of Savoy, the Royal Dowagers of the House of Savoy.

The architect Juvarra began work in 1718 on an important enlargement plan, but only the great staircase at the front of the building was completed. The splendour of this staircase alone justifies a visit, however. The remarkable balustraded facade supports statues and urns.

Since 1934, the Palazzo has housed the Turin's Civic Museum, and it has just re-opened following extensive refurbishment. Today the exhibitions are displayed over four levels:-

the Moat, which shows architectural stone sculpture from Medieval Piedmont, including a mosaic from the cathedral at Acqui Terme
Paintings and precious objects from the Gothic and Renaissance period are housed on the ground floor
the former apartments of the Savoy dowagers (Madame Reale), on the first floor, contain opulent baroque art and furnishings,
and on the second floor, which gives a wonderful sweeping view of the city, is one of Italy's most important collections of majolica and porcelain, and other decorative arts including textiles, ivories, jewellery and glass.

The exhibits include da Messina's famous 15th century 'Portrait of an unknown man'

There is no charge for admission to the monumental staircase at the front of the Palazzo, and the medieval courtyard behind it; to see the remainder of the exhibition costs 7.50 euros. Like all Turin museums and galleries, it is closed on Mondays.

The museum's own website is at www.palazzomadamatorino.it

E mail: kerrie@anitalianadventure.co.uk

0039 0141 851 154