A Trip Fit for a King - Palaces; castles and Gardens in Saxony
Castles and Forts · Palaces, In & around Torino Castles and Forts Once upon a time there was a...
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2008 / 2009 In & around Torino Palaces, Castles and Forts A land of dames and knights.
Transcript of Castles and Forts · Palaces, In & around Torino Castles and Forts Once upon a time there was a...
2008/2009
In & around Torino
Palaces, Castles and Forts
A land of dames
and knights.
www.turismotorino.orgTorino Piazza Castello/via GaribaldiStazione ferroviaria di Porta Nuova Aeroporto internazionale di Caselle ph. +39.011.535181 [email protected]
Avigliana Piazza del Popolo 2 Cell. [email protected]
Bardonecchia Piazza De Gasperi 1 ph. [email protected]
Cesana Torinese Piazza Vittorio Amedeo 3 ph. [email protected]
Clavière Via Nazionale 30 ph. [email protected]
Fenestrelle Piazza della Fiera 1 ph. +39.0121.83617 [email protected] *(closed on Wednesday)
Ivrea Corso Vercelli 1 ph. [email protected]
Lanzo Torinese Via Umberto I 9 ph. [email protected]
Pinerolo Viale Giolitti 7/9 ph. [email protected]
Pragelato Piazza Lantelme ph. [email protected]
Sauze d’Oulx Viale Genevris 7 ph. [email protected]
Sestriere Via Louset ph. [email protected]
Susa Corso Inghilterra 39 ph. [email protected]
Torre Pellice Via Repubblica 3 ph. [email protected]
Venaria Reale Via Andrea Mensa 34 ph. +39.011.4992326 [email protected] *(closed on the same days as the Palace)
Royal Residences
Accessible
Snack point
Bookshop
Guided tours
For groups only
Hours
Closing day
Admittance Fee
Free
How to read the guide.
Opening hours may vary: for updated information call the toll free number 800 329 329 (00 800 111 333 00 from abroad)every day from 8.00 am to 10.00 pm.
Scale0 5 10 15 km 20
19
20 12
1
14
17
9 2
3
8
6
13
11
7
5
1518
16
4
10
Highways
Railways with stations and tunnels
International airportSandro Pertini of Torino Caselle
Gap, height in metres1854
Colle delMonginevro
Natural parks and reservation area
Number of nationaland European roads
E 70232
State frontiers,regional and provincial boundaries
MotorwaysA4
Regional throughroutes, other roads
References
da Milano: 140 kmda Genova: 170 kmda Venezia: 400 kmda Firenze: 395 kmda Bologna: 330 kmda Roma: 675 kmda Napoli: 885 km
da Genève: 247 kmda Lyon: 314 kmda Paris: 780 kmda Barcelona: 877 kmda München: 613 kmda Wien: 1024 kmda Amsterdam:1159 km
To reach Torino
Avigliana: 28 kmBardonecchia: 92 kmCaselle Torinese: 16 kmCesana Torinese: 89 kmClaviere: 95 kmFenestrelle: 74 kmIvrea: 52 kmLanzo Torinese: 34 km
Oulx: 79 kmPinerolo: 41 kmPragelato: 111 kmSauze d’Oulx: 87 kmSestriere: 100 kmSusa: 56 kmTorre Pellice: 54 kmVenaria Reale: 15 km
To move throughout the territoryfrom Torino
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In & around Torino
Palaces, Castles and Forts
Once upon a time there was a marvellous territory dotted with magnificent palaces, enchantingcastles, imposing fortresses… and it still exists: in & around Torino,immersed in the beautiful setting of the Savoy province. Dominating the hills, the plain or the mountains,isolated within the greenery of parks and gardens, or wrapped inthe warmth of their villages, castles are among the most exciting pages to read the book of these beautiful places and interpret their spirit.
These possessions – central in the city landscape, but also spread out all over the surrounding areas – used to be exclusive recreational locations for hunting and holidays. Perfectly kept, they tell of centuries of warrior dukes and beauty-loving kings, of refined dames who loved ballet and theatre, of princely ceremonies and parties,of labyrinths and fountains about which tales were told all over Europe.A court capable of keeping itself amused, but also of protecting itself, to such an extent that the soil of the Western Alps, which was for a long time the object of an intense activity of fortification aimed at blocking the passage of the armies through the valleys, reveals a military presence without equals in the alpine area.Here every frieze speaks of art and
every tower documents a past whichis rich in history: visiting these precious castles, one relives heroic deeds, political events and legendsin a journey across time and space,from the rigour of the Middle Ages to the magnificence of the Savoys.The old dynasty, who reigned over Piemonte for almost a thousand years, has left us with possessions of inestimable value: among these the Royal Residences shine in all their splendour. They are aninheritance of extraordinary cultural and environmental interest, declared “World Heritage” by UNESCO in 1997.
The imposing ramparts provide important proof of a historical stratification of military architecture which goes from the early Middle Ages to the Second World War and boast very skilled architectural work, both from a structural and from a purely aesthetic point of view.The pages of this small guide present the most enchanting palaces, castles and fortresses in the area, brought to life in every season of the year by performances, events and exhibitions. For you to start travelling with your imagination, planning your visit through time amidst heroism and nobility.
Appartamenti reali di Borgo castello
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Castello biandrate di Foglizzo
Appartamenti Reali di Borgo Castello
Castello Biandrate di Foglizzo
Mar-Oct, Mon-Sun: 10.30 am-3.30 pm; Apr-Sept, Mon-Sun: 10.30 am-5.30 pm;reservation required
Wednesday and Thursday
Abbonamento Musei
Borgo Castello is located in the vast La Mandria Regional Park: it is a historical as well as naturalistic estate and its peculiarity lies in the fact that it is the largest planitial wood in the Pianura Padana, inhabited by much game. The rooms of the apartment on the first floor – more intimate and ordinary than the official residences, but richly furnished according to bourgeois taste of the time – hosted Vittorio Emanuele II from August 17, 1859with his two sons and his morganatic wife Rosa Vercellana – known as
“Bela Rosin” – who was never much appreciated by the government and the court. A privat atmosphere dominates: in order to keep “intruders” away, long “boundary walls” were erected and are, to this day, the clear sign of the presence of the estate. The king’s house was a faithful reflection of his open, free and self-assured personality.
Appartamenti Reali di Borgo CastelloViale Carlo Emanuele II 256La Mandria Regional Park - Venaria Realeph. +39 011 [email protected]
How to get there: A55 Torino beltway, exit Venaria
Upon reservation
Foglizzo is one of the oldest small villages in the Canavese area and Via Curis, which led to Gaul (present-day France), used to go through here. According to tradition San Carlo Borromeo himself stayed in Foglizzo when he travelled to Torino to worship the Holy Shroud. From the 12th century it belonged to the counts of Biandrate thanks to Guido the Great, commanding officer of Federico Barabarossa’s troupes, who received it as a dowry
from his marriage with Isabella del Monferrato. In 1631, with the Cherasco treaty, it became part of Vittorio Amedeo I’s Savoy territory. In 1885 a royal decree authorized the town to purchase the Castle, located in a beautiful elevated position, where the town hall now is. The Biandrate family became extinct in 1958, when the last countess Maria Luisa died in Torino.
Castello Biandrate di FoglizzoVia Castello 6 - Foglizzoph. +39 011 [email protected]
How to get there: A5 Torino-Aosta, exit San Giorgio C.se or Volpiano; A4 Milano-Torino, exit Chivasso
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Castello Biandrate di San Giorgio
Castello Cavour di Santena
Sunday and holidays upon reservation
May-Oct, Sun: 10.00 am-12.30 pm and 3.00 pm-7.00 pm; on weekdays upon reservation for groups and schools
Monday and holidays
Kids under age 6, Abbonamento Musei
Both the village and the castle once belonged to the powerful Biandrate family from Novara: in fact it seems that the village was named after these counts who had the image of San Giorgio on their coat of arms. Up until the 20th century the castle complex was made up of two buidings: Castel Vecchio, from the 12th century and Castel Nuovo, built between the 13th and 14th centuries. The former was almost completely demolished in the 19th century and replaced by an English-style garden; the latter, which is now the big seigneurial residence, took on its current appearance in the 18th century.
However, the most important transformations took place in 1726, on the occasion of the marriage between the “marchese” Ferdinando di San Giorgio and the “marchesa” Vilcardel de Fleury. From the broad central ballroom, with its square plan of 12 metres per side, one reaches the rooms that make up four apartments.
Castello Biandrate di San GiorgioVia Biandrate - San Giorgio Canaveseph. +39 0124 [email protected]
How to get there: A5 Torino-Aosta, exit San Giorgio C.se; A4 Milano-Torino, exit Chivasso orA4-A5 link, exit San Giorgio C.se
Santena – a town renowned for its production of much appreciated asparagus – is known especially for having been the home town of the noble Benso family. This is where Castello Cavour can be found, a work by the architect Francesco Gallo, by order of the count Carlo Ottavio Benso di Cavour and built between 1712 and 1720 on the ruins of an old castle. The building, which was renovated in the 19th century by Giuseppina, Camillo’s favourite niece,
is in no way military, but was one of those projects aimed at providing the pure pleasure of comfort. The bedroom with furniture and relics from the Torino palace, where Camillo Benso died on June 6, 1861, is on the second floor. The Benso di Cavour family’s funerary chapel is in the park. This is where the great statesman – one of the main authors of the unification of Italy – was buried two days after his death.
Castello Cavour di SantenaPiazza Visconti Venosta 2 - Santenaph. +39 011 [email protected]
How to get there: A21 Torino-Piacenza, exit Santena
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Castello Ducale di Aglié Castello di Ivrea
In 1763 Carlo Emanuele III purchased it to increase the appanage of his younger son Benedetto Maurizio, duke of the Chiablese area. Towards the middle of the 19th century the castle was passed on to the duke of Genoa Ferdinando – Carlo Alberto’s second son – and his descendants lived there until 1939, when they passed it on to the State.
We are in the heart of the Canavese area, the old territory – between Torino and the Valle d’Aosta – where Arduino (King of Italy between 997 and 1002, commemorated in the decoration of the reception hall of the castle) fought and died. But the central character in the history of the castle is Filippo San Martino d’Aglié – an intelligent and sly courtier, artist, political counsellor and the lover of the first Royal Madam Maria Cristina of France – who entrusted the works of transformation of the castle to the major architect of his time: Amedeo di Castellamonte.
Castello Ducale di AgliéPiazza Castello - Agliéph. +39 0124 330102www.ilcastellodiaglie.it
How to get there: A5 Torino-Aosta, exit San Giorgio C.se; A4 Milano-Torino, A4-A5 link,exit San Giorgio C.se
Tue-Sun: 8.30 am-6.30 pm
Monday
Under age 18, over 65,Abbonamento Musei
Amedeo VI di Savoia – known as Conte Verde (Green Count) because he had a predilection for this colour, which was recommended by the doctors of the time for curing sore eyes – had the castle built in 1358. It especially had a defensive purpose, but very often also gave hospitality to the Savoy family: for example on June 13, 1648 it was here that the first Royal Madam Maria Cristina of France had her fourteen-year-old son Emanuele II proclaimed ruling duke. In 1676 lightning fell on the main tower where the powder magazine
was, bringing about an explosion which caused deaths, destruction and irreparable damage to the tower itself, which has since been severed. From the 18th century to 1970 the building was used as a prison: recent restoration work demolished the factory buildings which had since been added and made it possible to visit the courtyard and some of the rooms.
Castello di IvreaPiazza Castello - Ivreaph. +39 0125 [email protected]
How to get there: A5 Torino-Aosta, exit Ivrea; A4 Milano-Torino, A4-A5 link,exit IvreaPartly
May 1-Oct 15, Sun: 10.00 am-12.00 pm and 3.00 pm-6.30 pm; all year long upon reservation for groups and schools
October 16-April 30, June 2 and August 15
Schools
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According to legend the name “Malgrà” is due to the fact that the castle was built “despite” (in Italian “malgrado”) the opposition of the Valpergas, the antagonists of the San Martinos. In fact the castle was built by Martino di San Martino, lord of Rivarolo and Aglié, and therefore was often at the centre of clashes between the two families. In 1532the people from Rivarolo, exasperated by the abuses of power carried out by the San Martinos, turned to Carlo III duke of Savoy, who conquered the castle, killing all its occupants. Only those who had taken refuge in the tower were able to escape, for they managed to run away through the vaults that led to the Orco river.
The medieval structure, concealed by work done on it in the 18th century, was brought to light during the restoration work of the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The architect D’Andrade drew inspiration from the entrance to Malgrà Castle when he designed the drawbridge of Valentino Castle in Torino.
Castello Malgrà di RivaroloVia Maurizio Farina 57 - Rivarolo Canaveseph. +39 0124 26725 - +39 333 [email protected]
How to get there: A5 Torino-Aosta, exit San Giorgio C.se; A4 Milano-Torino, A4-A5 link,exit San Giorgio C.se
May-mid Oct, Sun: 3.00 pm-7.00 pm; all year long upon reservation for groups and schools
Weekdays and mid October-mid April
The earliest information we have about Masino castle is from 1070, when it was purchased by Pietro di Masino and became a part of the largest feud in the Canavese area belonging to the Valperga counts. The family became related to the Savoys thanks to count Carlo Francesco I, who had an apartment made inside the castle for his mistress, the second Royal Madam Maria Giovanna Battista, mother of Vittorio Amedeo II. But it was especially in the 18th century that the castle took on its current appearance: according to tradition
it was in these years that the ashes of King Arduino arrived in Masino, from the castle of Aglié. In 1988 FAI (Italian Foundation for the Environment) purchased the residence, making the original furniture and decorations of the castle – that exalt the genealogy of the family and of the most important aristocracies of the time – visible again. The 12 carriages which belonged to the Valperga family were placed in the 18th century stables.
Castello di MasinoVia al Castello 1 - Caravino,frazione Masinoph. +39 0125 [email protected]
How to get there: A5 Torino-Aosta, exit Scarmagno; A4 Milano-Torino, A4-A5 link,exit Albiano d’Ivrea
Tue-Sun: 10.00 am-6.00 pm
Monday (except holidays) and mid December-January
FAI members, Abbonamento Musei
Partly
Castello di MasinoCastello Malgrà di Rivarolo
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Castello di Mazzé Castello di Pralormo
In actual fact there are two buildings: the big castle (both floors of which can be visited) and the little one (home to the Museo della Tortura – Torture Museum – created in collaboration with Amnesty International). The Valperga di Mazzé family remained in possession of the castle until 1840 when the lineage became extinct with the death of the count Carlo Francesco. The current aspect of the castle – given to it by the architect Giuseppe Velati Bellini, who transformed the old buildings – is from 1850. Here, in 1859, Vittorio Emanuele II, with Napoleon III’s Italian and French
General Staff, decided to flood the plane of the Vercelli area with the water from the Sesia to counter the Austrian advance. And there is also a ghost… It’s the 14th century count Raffaele Hugoniot, who was killed in the armoury of the castle for having dishonoured – by cheating her with a false wedding – the daughter of his fencing master, Grazia.
Castello di MazzéVia Castello - Mazzéph. +39 011 [email protected]
How to get there: A5 Torino-Aosta, exit San Giorgio C.se; A4 Milano-Torino, exit Rondissone
Feb-Nov, only on holidays: 2.00 pm-6.00 pm; all year long upon reservation for groups and schools
Saturday, weekdays and December-January
Kids under age 5
The undulations in the ground around Pralormo announce the hills of the bordering regions of Roero and Monferrato. The original nucleus of the castle is from the end of the 13th century and it was part of the fortifications of this area – debated between the Biandrates and the city of Asti. In 1830, with the unification of the feud by Carlo Beraudo, the court architect Ernesto Melano changed the original fortified complex into an elegant seigneurial residence. The building is still the residence of the Beraudo family who organizes
various activities and events there. To counter the disappearance of the tradition of Piedmontese embroidery – known as “bandera” – new embroiderers are featured in this area of Piemonte, where they used to be made back in the 18th century. In the month of April, during “Messer Tulipano”, over 75,000 flowers bring lively colours to the English-style park in the castle.
Everyday during the exhibition; May-July and Sept-Oct, Sun and holidays: 10.00 am-1.00 pm and 2.00 pm-6.00 pm;
reservation required for groups (min party of 15)
Monday, August and November-March
Kids under age 4
For groups
Park
Sunday (except August)
Castello di PralormoStrada Statale 29 - Pralormoph. +39 011 [email protected]
How to get there: A21 Torino-Piacenza,Villanova d’Asti exit, SR29 to Pralormo
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The complex is made up of two medieval buildings: the “Castello Superiore”, built by the counts of Valperga and facing the mountain, and the “Castello Inferiore”, built by the Discalzi counts and facing the plane. With the extinction of the Discalzi family, they both became property of the Valpergas. In the 15th century the “Castello Superiore” became a centre of the Inquisition and this is where trials against witches were held: only one of them, Margarota, managed to save herself from the stake by telling of the punishments that the condemned had to undergo.
The most significant restoration works were by Alfredo d’Andrade in 1871, when the complex was purchased by Carlo Ogliani, the brother-in-law of the painter Carlo Pittara, one of the founders of the so-called Scuola di Rivara, who anticipated, in certain respects, the movement of the French impressionists. To this day the castle hosts an important Centre of Contemporary Art.
Castello di RivaraPiazza Sillano 2 - Rivaraph. +39 0124 [email protected]
How to get there: A5 Torino-Aosta, exit San Giorgio C.se; A4 Milano-Torino, A4-A5 link,exit San Giorgio C.se
Sat-Sun: 10.30 am-12.30 pm and 3.00 pm-6.00 pm;upon reservation
The castle is located in a strategic position on the morainic hill at the mouth of the Valle di Susa and is at the bottom of the 11 km-long straight avenue (currently Corso Francia), which was planned in 1711 with the name “Strada Reale di Torino” (Royal Street of Torino). It was for many centuries the outpost of the Savoys in Piemonte and was chosen by Emanuele Filiberto as his favourite residence. He brought about the first substantial changes and his only son, Carlo Emanuele I, was born here.
It was Vittorio Amedeo II who had the castle built: the royal architect Filippo Juvarra worked here, following an original and grand drawing which was only partially carried out. Since 1984, the Museum of Contemporary Art has been here in the old rooms. It creates an unusual blend of past and present, thanks also to the avant-garde structures and materials used in the recent restoration works.
Castello di RivoliPiazza Mafalda di Savoia - Rivoliph. +39 011 [email protected]
How to get there: A32 Torino-Bardonecchia, exit Rivoli
Tue-Thu: 10.00 am-5.00 pm; Fri-Sun: 10.00 am-9.00 pm;reservation advised for groups
Monday
Kids under age 10, Abbonamento Musei
Partly
Castello di Rivara Castello di Rivoli
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Castello di Valperga Palazzo Madama
The castle dominates the Valperga built-up area: it was built around the 1Oth century by the lords of Courgné and then enlarged by the counts of Valperga, but according to tradition it was built before the year one thousand by Dadone – the count of Pombia and father of the king Arduino – and the “marchese” of Ivrea himself stayed there on various occasions. There are three parts to the building: a central part with a tower, considered the most ancient structure; the medieval castle around it, surrounded by ramparts that run along the old Belmonte road;
finally a neoclassical palace, surrounded by a park with a terraced disposition, which now hosts a rest home. San Giorgio church was quoted in a document from 1150 as a chapel of the nearby castle. It has a series of frescoes that represent one of the most remarkable pre-Renaissance cycles in the Canavese area.
Castello di ValpergaVia Cesare Battisti 19 - Valpergaph. +39 0124 [email protected]
How to get there: A5 Torino-Aosta, exit San Giorgio C.se; A4 Milano-Torino, A4-A5 link,exit San Giorgio C.se
It is certainly one of the oldest Savoy residences and it hides, behind the sumptuous Juvarran façade, two millennia of history and Turinese art. It was the first defensive centre in the city (the Roman Porta Pretoria), a medieval castle (which gave the whole square its name), the elegant residence of the two Madame Reali (from the first of which it gets its name). Between 1848 and 1864 the central room became the seat of the subalpine – later Italian – Senate. During the centenary of Italian unity Elizabeth II of England and her
husband, Prince Philip, appeared on its balcony, to greet the acclamations of the citizens of Torino. After a complex restoration project, the palace hosted the Olympic Committee in 2006 and is now the home of the very rich collection of the Municipal Museum of Ancient Art, with rooms furnished following the criterion of historical reconstruction.
Palazzo MadamaPiazza Castello - Torinoph. +39 011 4433501palazzomadama@fondazionetorinomusei.itwww.palazzomadamatorino.it
How to get there: A55 Torino beltway, exit Corso Regina Margherita
taircase and Medieval Courtyard, Tue-Fri and Sun: 9.00 am-7.00 pm;Sat: 9.00 am-8.00 pm; Museum, Tue-Fri and Sun: 10.00 am-6.00 pm;
Sat: 9.00 am-8.00 pm; reservation required for groups and schools
Monday
Museum only
First Tuesday of the month; schools, disables, kids under age 10, Abbonamento Musei
Last Sun of the month: 3.00 pm-6.00 pm;upon reservation
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The first and most important Savoy royal residence is in the heart of the city, overlooking piazza Castello and delimited by the 19th century rail fence, the entrance of which is guarded by the statues of the two Dioscuri. The palace took on its present appearance by will of the first Madama Reale Maria Cristina di Francia, who was the wife of the duke Vittorio Amedeo I. Behind a 107 metres-long façade, lies a three-floor palace that provides evidence, with furniture and
decorations, of the change in taste between the 17th and 19th centuries, under the direction of the greatest court architects. The ground floor is home to the Apartments known as Madama Felicita; on the ground floor there are the 35 rooms of the state apartments, while on the second floor one can visit the 30 rooms used by the kings and queens of Italy for their stays in Torino, when it was no longer the capital.
Palazzo RealePiazzetta Reale 1 - Torinoph. +39 011 4361455pal.reale@ambienteto.arti.beniculturali.itwww.piemonte.beniculturali.it
How to get there: A55 Torino beltway,exit Corso Regina Margherita
Tue-Sun: 8.30 am-7.30 pm; reservation required for groups. Please note: not all the floors are always open to public
Monday
Under age 18, over 65, Abbonamento Musei
It is located at the mouth of the Valli di Lanzo, which can be considered – with their peaks reaching considerable heights – the last natural rampart of the city of Torino. It is a Vénerie, that is a residence created for hunting: a unique experiment in the history of that “corona di delitiae” (“crown of delights”) that the Savoys wanted to celebrate their power. The novelty lies in the vision underlying the work: the ducal architect Amedeo di Castellamonte wanted to unite in a unique plan the village, the palace
and the gardens to respond to the philosophy of absolutism dear to his client, Carlo Emanuele II. Vittorio Amedeo II inherited from his father his passion for the palace and commissioned works from Filippo Juvarra that will remain memorable: the Main Gallery, the Sant’Uberto Chapel, the Main Stable and the Citrus Greenhouse.
Reggia di Venaria RealePiazza della Repubblica 4 - Venaria Realeph. +39 011 [email protected]
How to get there: A55 Torino beltway, exit Venaria
ue-Thu: 9.00 am-4.30 pm; Fri: 9.00 am-8.00 pm; Sat: 9.00 am-10.00 pm; Sun: 9.00 am-7.00 pm
Monday (except holidays) and December 25
Kids under age 12 with adult, the person accompanying a disabled, Abbonamento Musei
Palazzo Reale Reggia di Venaria Reale
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The villa is located in a superb setting, at the end of an avenue that climbs from the Gran Madre church up towards the hills. It was realized in 1615 by the cardinal Maurizio di Savoia, son of Carlo Emanuele I. He was ordained at the young age of fourteen and in 1642 his vocation gave way to the raison d’Etat: at the end of the so-called War of the In-Laws, he abandoned the purple robe and married his thirteen-year-old niece Ludovica, the daughter of his brother Vittorio Amedeo I and of Cristina of France. The residence then became Anna d’Orléans (Vittorio Amedeo II’s wife) favourite, and
it was named “Villa della Regina” (“The Queen’s Villa” – the name by which it is still known) after her. It was given to the Institute of Soldiers’ Daughters by Vittorio Emanuele II and suffered heavy bombings during the Second World War. After ten years of restoration works the villa and its large park have been recently reopened to the public.
Villa della ReginaStrada Santa Margherita 79 - Torinoph. 800 329329(from abroad ph. 00800 11133300)villadellaregina@artito.arti.beniculturali.itwww.artito.arti.beniculturali.it
How to get there: A55 Torino beltway,exit corso Regina Margherita
Fri-Sun: 1.30 pm-6.30 pm; reservation required at the Free Number 800 329329 (from abroad ph. 00800 11133300)
Monday-Thusday
Abbonamento Musei
Bardonecchia is the westernmost town in Italy and the French border surrounds it. The presence of a castle on the peak of Bramafam has been known since the first half of the fourteenth century: with Exilles it was the only Dauphinal castle in the valley that had a permanent garrison. The Fort was built to watch the Frejus gallery, after the railway tunnel was opened in 1871. The military post was dismantled because of the 1947Paris treaty and until 1995 – the year in which the restoration of the fort began – it was subjected to a long period of destruction. But the long
history of this fortification can now be retraced thanks to the visiting ring – an exhibition area spread out over 36 rooms – the 146 manikins with original uniforms, 14 pieces of ordnance and over 1,800 finds of military life that composethe museum.
Forte di BramafamLocalità Forte di Bramafam - Bardonecchiaph. +39 339 [email protected]
How to get there: A32 Torino-Bardonecchia,exit Bardonecchia
June-Sept according to a pre-set schedule: 10.00 am-6.00 pm; May-Oct upon reservation for groups (min party of 25)
Abbonamento Musei
Villa della Regina Forte di Bramafam
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Forte di Exilles Forte di Fenestrelle
Even though the first evidence of the existence of a military structure in the initial part of the Alta Valle di Susa goes back to the 7th century, the building of the fort was started in 1255 as a castle for the Dauphin princes. The area was given to Vittorio Amedeo II’s Piemonte by France with the 1713 Utrecht Treaty. The fort is its own museum: papers, plastic, drawings and the itinerary for visiting it help to understand its fortified architecture and age-old history.
The confinement in this fortress, between 1681 and 1687, of the character who went down in history as the Iron Mask, is legendary. His identity has remained unknown, but there have been many conjectures made on this subject: a twin brother of the Sun-King, a black son of Queen Anne, one of the main characters in the clashes of the nobility of the time...
Forte di ExillesLocalità Forte di Exilles - Exillesph. +39 0122 [email protected]
How to get there: A32 Torino-Bardonecchia,exit Susa ovest, SR24 to Exilles
It was Vittorio Amedeo II who wanted the impregnable fortress to be built when – in 1713 – having regained possession of Val Chisone after centuries of French domination, he wanted to protect the territories that he had just reconquered with the Utrecht Treaty. The restoration work, which had been started in 1727 under the direction of the military engineer Ignazio Bertola, was continued for over a hundred years, leading to the realization of what is to this day the biggest alpine fortification in Europe and the largest brickwork construction after the Great Wall of China.
What appears at first sight to be one same construction is in actual fact a set of various forts, joined vertically by a covered stairway that, with its 3,996 steps, is the longest in Europe. The fort was never used for military action, but as a prison-fortress: cardinal Pacca, minister of Pius VII, among others, was imprisoned here.
Forte di FenestrelleStrada al Forte 1 - Fenestrelleph. +39 0121 [email protected]
How to get there:A55 Torino-Pinerolo, exit Pinerolo, SR23 to Fenestrelle
Apr 15-Sept 30, Tue-Sun: 10.00 am-7.00 pm;Oct 1-Apr 14, Tue-Sun: 10.00 am-2.00 pm
Monday, January 1 and December 25
Abbonamento Musei
Sept-June, Mon and Fri-Sun: 8.30 am-6.30 pm; July-Aug, every day: 8.30 am-6.30 pm; reservation required
Abbonamento Musei
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Castello di Montalto DoraArea dei 5 laghi, Montalto Dorawww.comune.montalto-dora.to.itOpen on special occasions Batteria dello Chaberton
Monte Chaberton, Montgenèvrewww.fortechaberton.comReacheable on foot (3,130 m above sea level)
Forte Serre MarieStrada Provinciale dell’Assietta (SR 173), FenestrelleReacheable also by car from Pra Cartinat (1,982 m above sea level)
Castello di MoncalieriPiazza Baden Baden, Moncalieri www.ambienteto.arti.beniculturali.itClosed for restoration works
Castello del ValentinoViale Mattioli 39 - Parco del Valentino, Torinowww.comune.torino.it/museiFaculty of Architecture of the Politecnico di Torino
Palazzina di Caccia di StupinigiPiazza Principe Amedeo 7, Nichelinowww.mauriziano.itClosed for restoration works
Palazzo CarignanoVia Accademia delle Scienze 5, Torinowww.comune.torino.it/museiClosed for restoration works
Castello di RivaltaVia Orsini 7, Rivaltawww.castellodirivalta.itOpen on special occasions
Many other fabulous castles, palaces and fortresses add to the preciousness of Torino and its beautiful province, but for various reasons they are closed to the public. Even though it is not possible to visit their interiors, their façades and the settings in which they emerge are definitely worth a detour.
In the following pages a brief overview of these destinations will enable you to integrate your itinerary so as not to miss out on any of the magnificent fortresses of local art and culture.
Beauties “en passant”.
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Holidays à la carte.Torino+Piemonte Card
Torino+Piemonte Card offers you the keys to the thecity… and the whole region. For a a period varyingform 2 to 7 days you can move freely amongst thebeauties of Torino and Piemonte, while saving money. Free admission to more than 160 cultural sites as well as free transportation on public and tourist means of transport in Torino. Furthermore there are reductions onmany cultural and sporting activities and a Junior Card at a special rate for under 18.
Weekend in & around TorinoWeekend in & around Torino is anextraordinary opportunity to turn your weekend into a true vacation. Choose whereto sleep from the many participating hotels in Torino and surrounding area and benefit from this formula featuring two nights -breakfast included- and a 2-day Torino-Piemonte Card for each adult, as well as many wonderful surprises. And if you decide to stay one nightmore, take advantage of even better rates!
Gourmet in & around TorinoGourmet in & around Torino is an alluring occasion to enjoy our best food and drinktradition at convenient prices. Choose from the menus specially intended for “Tavole del Sapore”: the participating restaurants in and aroundTorino propose delicious local specialties andinternational cuisine accompanied by cordial and friendly hospitality. Make the most of this greatopportunity!
Tour in & around TorinoTour in & around Torino is the solution to the dilemmas of every traveler: better be alone or in good company? Choose among the various itineraries proposed: in Torinoenjoy the tour of the historical centre and of the Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum) or pick one of the many Theme Tours in town and in the surroundings.
City Sightseeing TorinoCity Sightseeing Torino is a true companion of your journey in Torino.Thanks to this “panoramic” double-decker bus you can discover the city’s many souls, planning your visit according to your interests. The whole tour, featuring a 6-language audio system, takes one hour butyou can hop-on and hop-off whenever youwish. Take it…easy!
ChocoPassChocoPass is your passport to the endlessseductions of chocolate: the delicious set of coupons offers you 23 tastings to be savouredin 3 days. Gianduiotti, pralines, cakes, biscuits,ice creams and hot chocolate: the best chocolate production awaits you in the historical cafés andpatisseries of Torino. And for an aristocratic treatgive in to the temptation of the Merende Reali:the gourmand appointments that conquered theSavoy court.
If you are travelling as part of a group, please contact us to find our the rates of the tourist guides and the possibilities for booking tours.
Write to [email protected] or call +39 011 535181.
TRAVELLING WITH FRIENDS...?TRAVELLING WITH FRIENDS...?
If you want to relive atmospheres from other times, by joining the pleasure of history with the charm of story-telling, some castles offer you the opportunity to join interesting theatrical tours.A suggestive way to discover the magic of these places from the very voiceof actors that bring to life events of the past, with the support of costumedinterpreters of the Historical Groups.
To find out the places, and the schedule of these original initiatives, log on to the website www.turismotorino.org or contact one of the TIC listed at the end of this brochure.
Palazzo Madama.....p.17
Palazzo Reale ........p.18
Villa della Regina...p.20
Castellodel Valentino......... p.24
Palazzo Carignano ..p.25
14
In Torino
Around Torino
Appartamenti Reali di Borgo Castello ..........p.4
Castello Biandrate di Foglizzo...................p.5
Castello Biandrate di San Giorgio ..............p.6
Castello Cavourdi Santena ...................p.7
Castello Ducale di Aglié .......................p.8
Castello di Ivrea ...........p.9
Castello Malgrà di Rivarolo...................p.10
Castello di Masino.........p.11
Castello di Mazzé ..........p.12
Castello di Pralormo ......p.13
Castello di Rivara ..........p.14
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2 Castello di Rivoli...........p.15
Castello di Valperga ......p.16
Reggia di Venaria Reale..p.19
Forte di Bramafam.........p.21
Forte di Exilles .............p.22
Forte di Fenestrelle .......p.23
Castello di Moncalieri ....p.24
Castello di Montalto Dora ..p.24
Castello di Rivalta ..........p.24
Palazzina di Cacciadi Stupinigi..................p.25
Batteria dello Chaberton...p.25
Forte Serre Marie...........p.25
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In & around Torino
Palaces, Castles and Forts
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The Tourist Information Centers.
Edition closed on Jun. 30, 2008.
Choose Torino, with its mountains and its wonderful surroundings: you’ll find just the right holiday for you! The Tourist Information Centers – TIC – of Turismo Torino e Provincia await you to provide you with a wide range of useful information on museums and exhibitions, festivals and events, winter and summer sports, restaurants and historical cafés, Royal Residences, forts and abbeys. Moreover, our staff is at your complete disposal to help you find the accommodation that suits you best and assist you with a free booking service.And there’s more: once you have the right information and your lodging is booked, you can get the most out of your stay purchasing right away Torino+Piemonte Card, ChocoPass, guided tours and excursions, as well as tickets for shows and public transport. And don’t forget to begin at best your exciting experience by browsing among our gadgets and souvenirs.The TIC are open every day* to welcome you and give you the assistance you may need: we’re waiting for you! Cr
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