Completing the triumvirate of glitzy Savoy households around Turin, the Venaria was constructed in the mid–17th century to a design by Amedeo di Castellamonte, but sure enough Filippo Juvarra also had a hand in the design. This massive complex, its stables, and its awesome formal gardens are now UNESCO World Heritage listed. Brought back to life and reopened in 2011 after decades of work, Venaria now offers a great, family-oriented day out with loads of outdoor summer activities as well as the chance to glimpse the extraordinarily privileged lives of the Savoy family. The Fountain of the Stag dances to music in the lake outside the palazzo. There are follies aplenty, and the mock-Roman Fountain of Hercules to discover in the grounds and permanent exhibitions in the house, including the Peopling the Palaces lightshow conceived by Peter Greenaway, who also had a hand in the exhibitions at the Museum of Cinema in Turin.
Turin
Travel Guide
Turin› Attraction
Reggia di Venaria Reale
Piazza della Repubblica, 4, Venaria Reale, 10km (6 1/4 miles) northwest of the city center
Our Rating
Hours
Open Tues–Sun, opening hours vary by season (last admission 1 hour before closing)
Transportation
Bus: 11 from Piazza Repubblica. The Venaria Express bus runs Tues–Sun (40 min.), with stops at Stazione Porta Nuova, on Via XX Settembre, and at Stazione Porta Susa
Phone
011-499-2333
Prices
Admission varies from 25€ for entrance into the palace, gardens, and current exhibitions or 5€ entrance to the gardens, with many price options in between
Web site
Reggia di Venaria Reale
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.