Things to Do at Palazzo Carignano

Palazzo Carignano is one of Turin's most magnificent baroque palaces, designed by the renowned architect Guarino Guarini and built between 1679-1685. This UNESCO World Heritage site served as the birthplace of Italy's first king, Victor Emmanuel II, and played a pivotal role in Italian unification. The palace's distinctive curved brick facade, considered one of the finest examples of European baroque architecture, makes it instantly recognizable among Turin's historic buildings. Today, Palazzo Carignano houses the Museum of the Risorgimento, which chronicles Italy's journey to unification through an extensive collection of artifacts, documents, and multimedia displays. The palace also contains the original Chamber of Deputies, where Italy's first parliament convened from 1861 to 1865. Visitors can explore lavishly decorated rooms, admire period furnishings, and walk through the very halls where crucial decisions shaping modern Italy were made.

Palazzo Carignano is centrally located in Turin's historic center at Via Accademia delle Scienze 5. Take Metro Line 1 to Porta Nuova station, then walk 8 minutes northeast. Alternatively, use trams 13, 15, or 56 to Castello stop. Multiple bus lines (11, 27, 51, 57) serve the nearby Castello area. If driving, use paid parking at Piazza Carlo Felice or Via Roma. The palace is easily walkable from Turin's main train station (15 minutes) and most city center hotels.