Turin: Guided Tour of the Royal Palace and City Walk

A unique journey that will allow you to admire extraordinary masterpieces preserved inside the Royal Palace, as well as stroll through Turin’s historic center with its beautiful and elegant squares.

The first part of the tour, lasting about 2 hours, is entirely dedicated to the discovery of the Royal Palace. You will meet your licensed guide right in front of the entrance to the Royal Museums, and from here you will begin a fascinating walk through the history of the Italian monarchy. You will explore the famous Royal Palace of Turin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and let yourself be captivated by the city’s refined charm.

Overlooking the prestigious Piazza Castello, in the heart of Turin, the Royal Palace appears majestic and elegant, perfectly befitting a royal residence. Once inside, you will begin exploring the interiors, strolling through magnificent rooms rich in artworks and refined details. You will hear stories and intriguing facts about how, over the centuries, this residence evolved from a bishop’s palace to a ducal residence, and finally became the royal home of the House of Savoy.

Intrigues, power struggles, and decisive moments in Italian history took place within these walls… are you curious to discover what happened inside this extraordinary palace? Visiting the Royal Palace of Turin is like stepping into a magical world of luxury and elegance. Behind its Baroque façade lie sumptuous interiors preserving rooms, furnishings, and artworks created between the 17th and 20th centuries. The stuccoes, gilded decorations, and frescoes of the halls where the last Italian royal family lived make the visit truly unforgettable. You will admire the luxurious royal apartments and the grand state rooms: the Ballroom, the Throne Room, the Swiss Guards’ Hall, and the famous Scissors Staircase designed by Juvarra will leave you breathless. The visit continues inside the extraordinary Royal Armoury, which houses one of the largest collections of weapons and armor in the world, and the Royal Library, home to the most famous self-portrait by Leonardo da Vinci. A unique opportunity to take a genuine step back in time, following the story and legacy of the Savoy royal family.

During the second part of the tour, you will discover and admire some of the city’s most characteristic landmarks, with a guided walking tour of about one hour through the main streets and squares of the historic center. Unmissable stops include Galleria Subalpina, Piazza San Lorenzo, and Piazza San Carlo, just some of the picturesque views you will enjoy during this experience.

What to Expect

The Swiss Guards’ Hall

Located on the first floor, this enormous hall introduces the state rooms of the Royal Palace. It was commissioned by the Savoy family as a reception space, designed to immediately convey their magnificence. Here you can look for the camera obscura meridian line, traced on the floor and illuminated by light passing through a small opening in the façade: a true solar clock.

The Throne Room

Without a doubt one of the most fascinating rooms of the Royal Palace. Crucial moments in Italian history took place within these walls: from the granting of the Statuto Albertino, to the declaration of the Wars of Independence, and finally the proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy with Vittorio Emanuele II. Created in 1831 at the request of King Carlo Alberto, the room is embellished by a gilded wooden balustrade surrounding the throne. Originally placed around the bed of the Duchess of Aosta, it was later moved here to make the setting even more solemn, intended for political meetings, hand-kissing ceremonies, and official receptions. Don’t forget to bow… here it was mandatory!

The Ballroom

The heart of social life at the Savoy court, the Ballroom was built in 1733 by Benedetto Alfieri. It impresses with its grand dimensions and precious decorations, including mirrors and Bohemian crystal chandeliers that create enchanting plays of light. The ceiling is adorned with the spectacular Dance of the Hours by Palagi, while the inlaid parquet floor evokes the elegant dances that once animated the court.

The Scissors Staircase

Access to the second floor is via a true masterpiece by architect Filippo Juvarra: the famous Scissors Staircase. Made of white marble and illuminated by natural light from windows overlooking the inner courtyard, it hides a curious detail: on the vault you can spot two cut braids, a metaphorical symbol of gossip and malicious tongues.

Royal Armoury

Be captivated by the extraordinary Royal Armoury, home to one of the world’s most important collections of weapons and armor. You will walk between two rows of wooden horses adorned with original armor and admire display cases showcasing historic weapons of great value. Adjacent to the hall is the Royal Coin Cabinet, featuring a precious collection of coins and ancient objects. A truly enchanting space, absolutely not to be missed.

Royal Library

Considered one of Turin’s most important cultural institutions, the Royal Library was opened to the public at the wish of Carlo Alberto around 1840. It preserves a prestigious collection of manuscripts, engravings, and ancient parchments, as well as the world-famous self-portrait by Leonardo da Vinci, a true masterpiece of art history.

Guided Walking Tour of the City

During the second part of the experience, you will discover the most important landmarks of Turin’s historic center. Highlights include the Galleria Subalpina, designed by Pietro Carrera at the end of the 19th century and inspired by the famous Parisian passages. Characterized by elegant decorations and a glass-and-iron roof that floods the space with light, it was once frequented by illustrious figures such as Friedrich Nietzsche; today it hosts cafés, refined restaurants, and historic shops.
Another essential stop is Piazza San Lorenzo, home to the church of the same name designed by Guarino Guarini in the second half of the 17th century and considered one of Turin’s most unusual churches: it has no façade, a barely visible bell tower, and a unique interplay of concave and convex curves. The final stop is Piazza San Carlo, the symbol of the city and the true “living room of Turin.” Today, Piazza San Carlo often hosts cultural events and major national and international happenings.